Nipa. Palmer saltgrass (Distichlis palmeri)

Family: Poaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Distichlis palmeri is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pleasant nutty flavor. — Edible Portion: Seeds, Cereal.; Originally a major food source of the Cocopah tribe in the western United States.; The grains are cooked as a cereal.; They are roasted or used in muffins or stuffings.

Habitat & North American Range

Along coastlines and on salt flats and disturbed soils, as well as forest, woodland, montane, and desert scrub habitats. Grows easily in salty and alkaline soils, excreting salts from its tissues via salt glands. (Zone 10)