Native to western North America, alkali sacaton is a species of grass. Its common name comes from its ability to tolerate and grow in alkaline soils. It is especially valued for regenerating habitats.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Sporobolus airoides is a species of grass known by the common name alkali sacaton. It is native to western North America, including the Western United States west of the Mississippi River, British Columbia and Alberta in Canada, and northern and central Mexico. It grows in many types of habitat, often in alkali soils, such as in California desert regions.
Long-lived, Sporobolus airoides (Alkali Sacaton) is a warm-season, densely tufted perennial grass forming attractive bunches of long narrow arching leaves. The fine textured leaves range in color from silvery-green in summer to golden with orange hues in the fall and fade to light bronze in winter. From early summer to late fall, a cloudy haze of slightly reddish seed heads rise on tall, erect stems above the foliage mound. The small mature seeds drop to the ground in the fall. The seeds provide food for birds and the thick foliage offers protected shelter for nesting.
Tough and beautiful, Alkali Sacaton is tolerant of flooding, drought, and saline-alkaline conditions. Undemanding, virtually disease and pest free, Alkali Sacaton provides weeks of interest in the landscape, adding soft color, texture and graceful movement.
It is a valuable grass for habitat restoration and revegetation projects in disturbed habitat in the Southwest United States, especially in riparian zones in California and the Intermountain West.
It is planted with Muhlenbergia asperifolia (scratchgrass) for Mojave River and other riparian zone restoration in the Mojave Desert. It produces dense groundcovers once established.
II. How to Grow and Care
Alkali sacaton is a robust grass known for its adaptability and resilience in various environments. Special care points include tolerance for alkaline soils and preference for full sun exposure, making it ideal for arid or semi-arid regions. Its care is considered easy because alkali sacaton requires minimal maintenance once established and is drought-resistant, thriving with little supplemental watering.
Sunlight
Alkali sacaton thrives in areas where it can receive full sun exposure. The ideal intensity is bright, unfiltered light for the majority of the day, which facilitates vigorous growth and optimal health. While alkali sacaton can tolerate partial sun, reduced light levels may lead to less robust growth and diminished vitality. As an outdoor plant, alkali sacaton should be positioned in open spaces that provide maximum sunlight. It’s important to note that alkali sacaton does not typically require indoor growth conditions and is well-suited to natural outdoor environments where its adaptive traits, such as drought-resistant foliage, can fully develop in response to ample light.
Watering
Native to arid environments, alkali sacaton has adapted to thrive with minimal moisture, exhibiting a high drought tolerance. Its natural habitat’s low humidity informs its ability to sustain long periods without water. In cultivation, alkali sacaton requires watering approximately twice a week, ensuring it receives enough hydration without over-saturating the soil. Given its preference for drier conditions, alkali sacaton is often grown outdoors where it can benefit from natural rainfall patterns and well-draining soils. This species’ resilience in dry climates makes it an ideal candidate for xeriscaping or rock gardens that mimic its native arid landscapes.
Soil
Alkali sacaton performs best in sandy or gravelly, dry to moist, well-drained soils. Intolerant of shade, this plant is not fussy about soils and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including clay, alkaline, salty and caliche type soils. Drought tolerant once established, this plant tolerates seasonal flooding too.
Fertilizing
For optimal health, alkali sacaton benefits from lawn or turf fertilizers, encouraging robust growth and resilience. Spring and fall applications align with its growth cycles, with typically a half-pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet sufficing. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent growth compromise. During active growth, monthly fertilization supports vigor, while in dormant periods, it’s unnecessary. Always water alkali sacation thoroughly post-application for effective nutrient absorption.
Propagation
Alkali sacaton is a perennial grass favoring well-drained soils and is commonly found in arid environments. For effective propagation, sowing seeds directly into the soil is a practical method. It is important to ensure that the soil surface remains moist until germination to facilitate successful seedling establishment. Once established, alkali sacaton can spread and maintain itself, as it demonstrates resilience against varying environmental conditions. This robustness makes it ideal for natural landscaping, erosion control, and habitat restoration projects.
Transplanting
Alkali sacaton flourishes when transplanted during its active growth periods in late spring to mid-summer, ensuring maximal survivability and vigor. Position it in well-draining soils and full sun or partial shade for optimum growth. Take care not to overwater to avoid root rot.
III. Uses and Benefits
Alkali sacaton is an excellent choice for rock gardens, prairie plantings, as an accent plant or as a groundcover. Stands of this grass stabilize eroding soil.
