273 



Fig. 267. DISTICHLIS SPICATA (L.) Greene, Bui. Calif. Acad. Sci. 2 : 415. 

 1887. ( Uniola spkata L. Sp. PI. 71. 1753; D. maritima Raf. Joum. Phys. 89 : 104. 

 1819.) ALKALI-GRASS.— An upright, dicecious, wiry grass, 1.5-6 dm. (^°-2°) 

 high, with strong and widely creeping rootstoeks, rather rigid leaA^es, and 

 densely flowered panicles. Sheaths overlapping and often crowded; leaf- 

 blades 1-15 cm. (i'-6') long, 2-4 mm. (l"-2") wide, flat or involute. Pistillate 

 spikelets {d) 8-16 mm. (4"-8") long, 4 to 13 flowered: flowering glume (e) 3-5 mm. 

 (1J"-2|'0 long; staminate spikelets (a) 8-18 mm. (4"-9") long, 6 to 18 flowered, on 

 slender pedicels; empty glumes unequal; flowering glumes (&) 5-6 mm. (2i"-3") 

 long.— Salt marshes along the coast, Maine (o Texas and British Columbia to 

 California; alkaline soil in the interior, Nebraska and Kansas to Montana, 

 eastern Washington, California, and New Mexico. May to August. 



This species thrives on strongly alkaline soils, where other vegetation will 

 not grow, but is considered a nuisance in farming lands on account of its tough, 

 matted roots. Although sometimes eaten by stock in the ab.sence of better 

 sorts, it has little agricultural value. It is a good grass for binding drifting 

 sands or soils subject to wash. 

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