Alkali Sakaton
Sporobolus airoides
Family: Poaceae or Gramineae
What it is like
Sporobolus airoides is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.8
Where it is found
Saline flats, prairies and sands. Meadows and valleys, especially in moderately saline soils.
Central and south-western N. America - Nebraska to Montana, California and Texas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Seed - raw or cooked. It can be parched, ground into a flour and eaten dry or made into a mush. The grain falls free from the chaff when it is fully ripe. This seed is used in quantity by the Hopi Indians, especially in times of famine. A famine food, it is only used when all else fails.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any well drained soil in a sunny position.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination should take place within 2 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer if they have grown sufficiently. Otherwise, grow them on in a greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out in late spring of the following year. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist