Alkali Sacaton

Sporobolus airoides

Also known as: Tharp's Dropseed

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Sporobolus
Species:
Sporobolus airoides

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
4-6 ft
Light Requirements:
Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov
Bloom Colors:
Yellow

Native Range

United States: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Canada: British Columbia

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Bucculatrix sporobolella, Olivia's buckmoth (Hemileuca oliviae)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.5 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
commonly found in saline or alkaline flats

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Germination occurs at 35D/20N C alternating temperature cycle. No other pre-treatment specified in Protocol 2.

Establishment: Sporobolus airoides, also known as Drop seed or Alkali sacaton, is found from South Dakota west to California and Washington and south to Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. In Texas, it is found on dry sandy or gravelly slopes and along saline or alkaline flats. It is also found in Nebraska, Missouri, South Dakota and Texas, west to eastern Washington and southern California and in northern Mexico as far south as San Luis Potosi.

Source: npn.rngr.net