Alkali Sakaton (Sporobolus airoides)

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

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. — 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.

Habitat & North American Range

Saline flats, prairies and sands. Meadows and valleys, especially in moderately saline soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)