Distichlis stricta (Torr.) Rydb., inland saltgrass 
DESCRIPTION 
Warm-season, rhizomatous, stoloniferous perennial. 
Height: 6 to 8 inches. 
Leaf blade: Numerous; short, usually less than 3 inches 
long ; flat ; sharply pointed. 
Leaf sheath: Closely overlapping; flattened; open at throat. 
Seedhead: Panicle usually pale greenish; spikelets usually 
5- to 9-flowered; pistillate flowers are broader and have 
fewer florets than staminate flowers. 
GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS 
Makes most of growth in early summer; stays green until late 
fall. Growth rate is slow. Reproduces mostly from stolons and 
rhizomes. Produces some seed. Grows mostly in pure stands. 
DISTRIBUTION. 
Throughout the 17 Western States, southern Canada, and south 
to central Mexico. 
SITE ADAPTATION 
Grows primarily on saline soils of any texture. Adapted to 
subirrigated sites and to sites intermittently wet and dry. 
USE AND MANAGEMENT 
Inland saltgrass is grazed by horses and cattle during summer 
when it is green and during other seasons when it is the only for- 
age available. It is one of the few plants that grows on highly 
saline soils and protects them from wind erosion. 
Management of other associated grasses keeps inland saltgrass 
vigorous. 
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