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Saltgrass

Distichlis spicata

Last reviewed: October 2026

Distichlis spicata is a low, spreading salt grass that grows best in full sun with low water needs, blooming from June through August in coastal marshes, alkaline flats, and prairie soils across much of the United States.

Saltgrass (Distichlis spicata)
Photo: (c) Roberto Daniel Avila, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Roberto Daniel Avila

Toxicity unknown

Saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Saltgrass as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

24"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AZ, CA, CO and 36 more states

Pollinators

butterflies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangePuget LowlandSierra NevadaCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsCentral California ValleySouthern California MountainsNorthwestern Forested MountainsNorth American DesertsCentral Basin and RangeMojave Basin and RangeSouthern RockiesArizona/New Mexico MountainsChihuahuan DesertsHigh PlainsSouthwestern TablelandsCentral Great PlainsEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsNorthwestern Glaciated PlainsNorthwestern Great PlainsGreat PlainsNorthern Glaciated PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsNortheastern Coastal ZoneMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsMississippi Alluvial PlainSouthern Coastal PlainSouthern Florida Coastal PlainMadrean ArchipelagoSonoran Basin and RangeAtlantic Coastal Pine BarrensSouthern California/Northern Baja Coast

Salt grass is a tough, low-growing perennial that forms dense mats of narrow blue-green foliage. This hardy native thrives in challenging conditions including poor soils and requires minimal water once established. It produces small, inconspicuous flower spikes during summer months.

Growing Saltgrass

Grow Saltgrass in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Saltgrass takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Can appear weedy or unkempt to traditional landscaping preferences
  • Mat-forming growth habit may look informal for front yard standards
  • Often associated with wild or disturbed areas rather than ornamental gardens

Wildlife value

Salt grass provides habitat and nesting material for ground-dwelling birds and small wildlife. While not a major pollinator plant, it offers seed for birds and serves as host habitat for some native insects.

Common questions

When does Distichlis spicata bloom?
Distichlis spicata blooms from June through August, producing small, inconspicuous flower spikes typical of grasses.
What growing conditions does Distichlis spicata need?
This grass does best in full sun with low water once established. It tolerates saline, alkaline, and periodically wet soils, which is why it is common in salt marshes and alkaline flats.
Does Distichlis spicata attract pollinators?
No specific pollinators are documented for this species. Like most grasses, it is wind pollinated rather than dependent on insect visitors.
Is Distichlis spicata evergreen?
Distichlis spicata dies back seasonally and is best treated as a deciduous perennial grass, going dormant and turning tan or brown outside the growing season.
Is Saltgrass toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Saltgrass as toxic to livestock.
Is Saltgrass HOA-friendly?
Saltgrass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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Common plant problems, and what to check first

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