Sacaton
Sporobolus airoides
Observed near the shore of Kearny Lake, Pinal Co., Arizona, USA. June 2010. Notice the salt-encrusted soil.
RANGE: In the Sonoran Desert this grass will not be growing close by
saguaros because it does best in occassionally damp, saline soils, conditions
that saguaros cannot tolerate. Widely distributed in western North America.
PERENNIAL: A tough grass growing in clumped bunches reaching a
1 meter or more tall.
INFLORESCENCE: Numerous, small spikelets are dispersed in a panicle that
may be widely open or rather tight. Each spikelet holds one floret.
LEAVES: Blades are narrow, usu. less than 2mm. and up to 40 cm
long.
FRUIT: The small grains (< 1 mm) dislodge readily from the
spikelets and chaff when mature. Thus another common name, dropseed.
UNARMED