Alkali Sacaton (Sporobolus airoides) is a gorgeous native grass in the same genus as the popular ornamental grass, Prairie Dropseed. This warm-season, long-lasting perennial grass forms dense bunches of long, arching leaves that will change from green in spring to golden with hints of orange or red in the fall and finally bronze in the fall. The famous airy seedheads appear on the plant in early summer and last all the way until early fall, providing a long season of texture and interest. This plant is extremely versatile, handling all kinds of conditions including salt, drought, seasonal flooding, and everything from gravelly soils to moist garden soils with fertilizer. Plant in garden beds or borders, rock gardens, xeric gardens, mixed grass plantings, or natural prairie style plantings. It also makes an excellent choice for slope stabilization.
Expected 2025 Availability- Late May to Early June
Alkali Sacaton Grass
Irrigation Requirement: Very Low (Water to Establish), Low (1/2" every 10-14 days)
Mature Size: 3 - 4' tall and 1 - 2' wide
Spacing: 2 - 3' apart
Season: Warm-season
Hardiness Zone: 4 - 9
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Deer Resistant: Yes
Salt Tolerant: Yes
Soils: Does well in a wide range of well-drained soils, including sand, loam, and clay.
Plants in the Sporobolus genus are host species for 1 known local pollinator in northern Utah. Alkali Sacaton provides seeds for birds and habitat and cover for many bird and mammal species.