Sporobolus airoides aka Alkali Sacaton

Sporobolus airoides is a perennial grass called alkali sacaton or alkali dropseed. It belongs to the grass family, Poaceae. Its native range spans western Canada, the United States, and Mexico. It grows in prairies, sandy ground, meadows, and valleys. It also grows on salt flats and other saline soils. This warm-season grass forms dense clumps rather than a woody shrub.

Garden plants reach about 3.3–4.9 feet [1–1.5 metres] tall. NC State reports heights up to 6 feet [1.8 metres]. RHS gives a spread of 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. NC State lists a much larger maximum width, so spread estimates differ sharply. Slender, grey-green leaves arch out from the clump. They can reach 2 feet [0.6 metres] long. The stems have thick, tough bases that become woody. Leaves turn yellow to golden-orange in fall, then tan or bronze-brown in winter.

Loose flower panicles rise above the leaves in summer. Bloom can last from midsummer through late fall. The tiny spikelets have pink, red, yellow, and purple tones. The open heads turn silver as they dry. They suit dried flower displays and add fine texture to borders. Wind carries the pollen. The plant produces many small seeds, held in grain-like fruits. Its seed heads give the clump a light, open look.

Grow this grass in full sun with good soil drainage. It accepts clay, loam, sand, chalk, and rocky soils. It also tolerates acid, neutral, and alkaline conditions. Dry or moist ground suits it, and established plants withstand drought. It can also cope with flooding and salty soil. RHS rates it H5; NC State lists USDA zones 4–9. Growth is moderate, with maturity reached in two to five years. Cut old growth near ground level in early to mid-spring. Raise new plants from seed or divide existing clumps.

Use it in prairie plantings, gravel gardens, coastal gardens, or borders. It also helps protect soil and limit dust on saline sites. Restoration projects use it to revegetate disturbed ground. Deer resistance and few reported pest or disease problems ease upkeep. The seeds are edible raw or cooked. They can be toasted or ground into flour for porridge. Records describe Hopi use as a food during scarcity. PFAF reports no known hazards or medicinal uses.