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Salt grass, spike grass

Distichlis spicata-- Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants

Distichlis spicata

Native to Florida

salt grass, spike grass

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    The medium-tall salt grass is found in salt and brackish coastal marshes and can grow into large monocultures. It is an important food source for geese and other birds. There is only one species of Distichlis in Florida -- and the entire U.S. (Wunderlin, 2003). Salt grass is widely found throughout the U.S. and Canada (Kartesz, 1999).

    Salt grass is a grass. Grows from rhizomes; stems to 2 ft. tall, erect, rigid; upper leaf blades 2 vertical ranks opposite on stem, ascending, stiff, sharp pointed, flat to folded to rolled, 1-6 in. long, to 1/4 in. wide, parallel ridges; inflorescence broad spike-like, to 3 in. long; spikelets tan; nutlets smooth, oval, 1/16 in. long.