Distichlis distichophylla
Australian saltgrass
Description
Source: leafsnapDistichlis distichophylla is a species of grass commonly known as Australian salt-grass, emu grass or pineapple grass. It is a dioecious perennial plant that grows to about 30 cm in height, with creeping rhizomes up to 1 m long. It is coarse and prickly, growing in damp, saline areas such as the fringes of saltmarshes. It often forms mats where water is abundant. Its appearance in places from which it had been absent can be an indication of rising soil salinity.
Care Guide
💧 Water
☀️ Light Full sun
A sun-loving, perennial herbaceous species, Australian salt-grass is native to open habitats and is commonly found in meadows and grasslands. It prefers full sun but will tolerate partial sun.
🌡️ Temperature 15–37.8°C
Australian salt-grass is quite adaptable to heat, able to withstand higher temperatures and wide temperature swings. In hot weather, attention should be paid to watering and providing suitable shade to avoid sunburn. Conversely, it has relatively poor resistance to cold; while it tolerates some chill, excessively low temperatures can result in frost damage.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil 6-8
🌱 Fertilizer
Australian salt‑grass needs extra nutrients to encourage healthy new growth. In spring, spreading compost around the plant’s base will supply the necessary nourishment. Fertilizing supports robust growth and helps the plant withstand diseases and pests.
🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Grass
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Distichlis
- Family
- Poaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 8-11
- Mature Height
- 20 cm to 40 cm
- Mature Spread
- 30 cm to 61 cm
- Leaf Color
- Light Green, Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Size
- 0.25 cm to 0.51 cm
- Bloom Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Early fall