Distichlis spicata (L.) Greene, seashore saltgrass 
DESCRIPTION 
Warm-season, rhizomatous, stoloniferous perennial. 
Height: 6 to 18 inches. 
Leaf blade: Conspicuously paired; sharp pointed; rolled 
when dry. 
Leaf sheath: Numerous; closely overlapping; open at throat. 
Seedhead: Dense spike 1 to 2 inches long; male and female 
flowers produced on different plants. 
GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS 
Makes primary growth during summer and some all year. Re- 
produces from both stolons and rhizomes. Produces seed several 
times during growing season. Dense colonies and pure stands are 
common. Salt crystals are usually present on leaves and stems. 
DISTRIBUTION 
Saline coastal marshes and flats of the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pa- 
cific coasts. 
SITE ADAPTATION 
Adapted to highly saline marsh soils of clay to sandy texture. 
Does best if water level fluctuates between 2 inches above soil 
surface and 6 inches below. 
USE AND MANAGEMENT 
Seashore saltgrass is grazed by cattle and horses. Its best sea- 
son of use is winter. Regrowth following a controlled burn in fall 
provides excellent food for wild geese. Ducks occasionally eat the 
seed. 
Controlled burning results in lush, tender forage. Burning 
should be done every 2 years between September 1 and February 
1 when water is above soil surface. Following a burn, 4 inches of 
regrowth is necessary before grazing. Prolonged inundation kills 
seashore saltgrass. Water-control systems should be installed, if 
needed, to maintain favorable water level. Cattle walkways are 
usually necessary to make the forage more accessible. 
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