I’ve worked with a lot of tough, salt-tolerant grasses over the years, but Spike Grass – Distichlis Spicata stands out. It’s one of those plants that seems to defy the odds—thriving where others falter. Below, I’ve pulled together the most common questions I’ve been asked about it. Whether you’re restoring a salt marsh, looking for erosion control, or just exploring hardy native grasses, this article should help.
What Is Spike Grass – Distichlis Spicata?
Spike Grass, or Distichlis Spicata, is a native, salt-tolerant, perennial warm-season grass. It spreads by rhizomes and forms dense mats. It’s part of the Poaceae family and is also known as Saltgrass. I’ve often seen it growing wild along coastal dunes, tidal marshes, and saline meadows. It thrives in alkaline soils, brackish water, and disturbed saline landscapes.
I like its narrow, spiky green blades and short height—usually under 2 feet. When it’s mature, it develops a pale seed head that adds a bit of character to the plant. Its dioecious nature (having male and female plants) makes it ecologically intriguing, too.
Where Does Spike Grass Thrive?
In my experience, Distichlis Spicata performs best in USDA zones 4 through 10. It’s common throughout North America, particularly in:
- Salt flats
- Coastal marshes
- Irrigated pastures
- Roadside ditches
Because of its high salt tolerance and drought resilience, I’ve found it’s often used in bioswales, green infrastructure, and erosion control projects. I’ve even used it in xeriscaping where soil salinity is a problem.
Is Spike Grass Invasive?
This is one I get a lot. No, Distichlis Spicata is not invasive. Even though it spreads aggressively via underground rhizomes, it’s a native species across most of the U.S. That makes it a safe choice for ecological restoration, especially in saline or degraded soils.
That said, its rhizomes can creep into neighboring beds. If you plant it near ornamental gardens, use root barriers to contain it. I learned that the hard way when it started overtaking my Agastache patch.
How Does Spike Grass Compare to Bermuda Grass?
I’ve worked with both, and here’s how I’d compare Distichlis Spicata vs Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon):
| Feature | Distichlis Spicata | Bermuda Grass |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Tolerance | Very High | Moderate |
| Drought Tolerance | High | High |
| Soil Type | Saline, Alkaline | Neutral, Loamy |
| Invasive Potential | Low | High |
| Lawn Quality | Fair | Excellent |
Spike Grass wins in salty, disturbed, or low-fertility sites. Bermuda, though, is better if you want a pristine lawn. But Bermuda becomes invasive in native plant settings. For eco-friendly designs, I stick with Spike Grass.
Is Distichlis Spicata Good for Lawns?
In short—yes, but with caveats. I’ve tried using it in low-mow, low-input lawns, especially near coastal properties or saline-irrigated fields. It handles foot traffic, drought, and salinity better than almost any turf species.
But here’s the downside—it’s coarse-textured and not as visually lush as Kentucky Bluegrass or Fescue. You also need both male and female plants to get seed formation, and its green color fades in colder months.
If your priority is durability and sustainability, not appearance, it’s a solid choice.
How Do I Propagate Distichlis Spicata?
You can propagate Spike Grass by:
- Division of rhizomes – I do this in spring or early fall.
- Seed propagation – But it’s tricky, as seeds are small and germination is slow.
When dividing, I cut rhizome chunks with at least one node, plant them shallow, and water consistently until they root. Once established, it barely needs maintenance.
What Are the Main Uses for Spike Grass?
I’ve used Distichlis Spicata in:
- Wetland restoration
- Saline turf replacements
- Erosion control on slopes
- Phytoremediation (for cleaning salt-laden or disturbed soil)
- Habitat creation for birds and insects
It’s also a go-to for green infrastructure like bioswales, stormwater basins, and constructed wetlands. Its tough roots hold soil, and its dense cover prevents runoff. The fact that it’s a native species makes it attractive to wildlife planners and conservationists.
How Does Spike Grass Handle Drought and Flooding?
I’ve tested it in both conditions. In prolonged drought, it goes dormant but doesn’t die. In temporary flooding, it tolerates brief submersion. I’ve seen it recover well after storm surges, making it ideal for climate-resilient landscapes.
Its aerenchyma tissue allows oxygen to flow through roots during saturation. This adaptation helps it outcompete other grasses in salt marshes and intermittent wetlands.
Can I Mix Distichlis Spicata With Other Native Grasses?
Absolutely. I often combine it with:
- Muhlenbergia capillaris (for pink plumes)
- Spartina patens (another salt-tolerant species)
- Bouteloua gracilis (for color contrast)
These combinations not only create biodiverse planting palettes but also help stabilize soil and support pollinators.
Final Thoughts
Spike Grass – Distichlis Spicata is more than just a salt-tolerant native. It’s a resilient workhorse for restoration and tough urban conditions. If you’re aiming for ecological function, erosion resistance, and low-maintenance landscapes, this is a grass that earns its keep.
If i die, water my plants!
