Alkali Sakaton

Sporobolus airoides

Physical Characteristics

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.

Distribution

Central and south-western N. America - Nebraska to Montana, California and Texas.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Seed - raw or cooked. It can be parched, ground into a flour and eaten dry or made into a mush[105, 161, 183]. The grain falls free from the chaff when it is fully ripe[216]. This seed is used in quantity by the Hopi Indians, especially in times of famine[216]. A famine food, it is only used when all else fails[177, 257].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known