Sporobolus airoides (Torr.) Torr., alkali sacaton 
DESCRIPTION 
Warm-season, perennial bunch grass. 
Height: 1 to 3 feet. 
Leaf blade: Narrow; flat; rolls inward, especially when dry; 
bottom smooth, top rough. 
Leaf sheath: Rounded; smooth except hairy at throat. 
Ligule: Hairy. 
Seedhead: Open panicle about 1 to 1-1/2 feet long. 
GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS 
Reproduces from small seed. Seed remain viable for several 
years and will germinate without being scarified. The deep, coarse 
root system gives the appearance of short, thick rhizomes. Gener- 
ally, the individual bunches of alkali sacaton are 8 to 12 inches in 
diameter at ground level. Withstands flooding and considerable 
deposition of sand and silt. 
DISTRIBUTION 
Throughout the 17 Western States and Mexico. 
SITE ADAPTATION 
Grows mostly in pure stands on moist alkali soils. 
USE AND MANAGEMENT 
Alkali sacaton produces abundant forage which is grazed by 
cattle and horses. 
Because of its long green growing season, this grass can be 
grazed for long periods if grazed properly. Total annual produc- 
tion is reduced, however, if more than 50 percent of current 
year's growth by weight is grazed off. To increase production, ro- 
tate grazing. 
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