Distichlis spicata
Family: Poaceae
Description: A highly rhizomatous, perennial grass, 15 – 35 inches tall, found in saline soils. Propagated by seeds or rhizomes, can be matt-forming. Plant is dioecious (male and female reproductive parts on separate plants); pistillate and staminate individuls appear similar except that the staminate lemmas are thinner and the paleas less bowed.
Location: Saline soils along the Gulf Coast and in North and West Texas.
Soil Type: Saline soils.
Trivia: Native Americans threshed the leaves to gather the salt that adhered to the plants.
Economic, Environmental Importance: Poor for wildlife and fair for livestock. Minor useful forage is produced in saline areas. Larval host for the sandhill skipper butterfly.
stxflora 