Distichlis spicata facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Distichlis spicata |
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Distichlis
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spicata
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Distichlis spicata is a type of grass known by many names, like seashore saltgrass or desert saltgrass. This grass is originally from North and South Americas. It is now found in many parts of the world. It is very good at growing in salty places.
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Where Saltgrass Grows
Saltgrass loves to grow along ocean coasts and in salt flats. It can also be found in forests, woodlands, and even desert areas. This grass can form thick patches all by itself. It often grows in large groups that are all connected underground.
This plant grows well in salty and alkaline soils. Alkaline soils are the opposite of acidic soils. Saltgrass can get rid of extra salt from its leaves. It does this using special salt glands.
What Saltgrass Looks Like
Saltgrass is a tough plant that lives for many years. It has underground stems called rhizomes. These help it spread and grow new plants. Sometimes it also has stems that grow along the ground, called stolons.
The grass usually stands upright. It can grow up to about half a meter tall, but it is often shorter. Its stems are strong and stiff. The leaves are narrow and can be up to 10 centimeters long. In very salty areas, the leaves might even have salt crystals on them.
The flowers of saltgrass grow in clusters. These clusters can be up to 8 centimeters long. They might be green or have a purple tint. The flowers can also be a bright pinkish-purple color.
How People Use Saltgrass
Saltgrass has been useful to people for a long time. The Kawaiisu Native American people used to collect salt from this grass. They would scrape off the salt that the plant pushed out onto its leaves. This allowed them to make salt blocks.
Farmers have also found saltgrass to be helpful. Studies show that it can be good for pastures, even if the land is watered with salty water. It produces a lot of plant material and protein. Both cattle and horses can eat saltgrass. It is a good food source because it stays green even when other grasses dry up during droughts. It can also handle being grazed and walked on a lot.
People use saltgrass for animal feed in both summer and winter. In the past, along the Atlantic coast, saltgrass was a main source of hay for early settlers.
See also
In Spanish: Grama salada para niños
Images for kids
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A close-up of Distichlis spicata
