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Description
Sporobolus Pungens, commonly known as Alkali Sakaton, is a perennial grass species that is native to the Great Plains region of North America. This grass species is a member of the family Poaceae and is known for its ability to tolerate saline and alkaline soils. It is a valuable forage plant for livestock and wildlife.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Sporobolus |
Appearance
Sporobolus Pungens grows up to 3 feet tall and has a clumping growth habit. The leaves are blue-green in color and have a rolled appearance. The flowers are small and have a purplish hue, and they bloom from August to October. The seeds of Sporobolus Pungens are enclosed in a hairy sheath and are dispersed by wind.
Care Guide
Sporobolus Pungens is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is also tolerant of saline and alkaline soils. Watering should be done sparingly, as this plant is drought-tolerant. Fertilization is not necessary, but a light application of nitrogen fertilizer can be beneficial. Sporobolus Pungens is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sporobolus Pungens is not prone to serious pest or disease problems. However, it may be susceptible to rust and leaf spot diseases. It may also attract grasshoppers, which can cause damage to the leaves and stems.
Habitat
Sporobolus Pungens is commonly found in native grasslands, prairies, and open woodlands in the Great Plains region of North America. It is also found in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and abandoned fields. It is an important forage plant for livestock and wildlife, and it provides habitat for a variety of insects and small mammals.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the growth habit of Sporobolus Pungens?
A: Sporobolus Pungens has a clumping growth habit.
Q: What is the blooming period of Sporobolus Pungens?
A: Sporobolus Pungens blooms from August to October.
Q: What is the hardiness zone of Sporobolus Pungens?
A: Sporobolus Pungens is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Q: What is the common name of Sporobolus Pungens?
A: The common name of Sporobolus Pungens is Alkali Sakaton.
Related Plants
- Sporobolus airoides
- Sporobolus compositus
- Sporobolus cryptandrus
- Sporobolus heterolepis
References
- “Sporobolus Pungens.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed 28 July 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=SPPU4.
- “Sporobolus Pungens.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed 28 July 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=SPPU4.
- “Alkali Sakaton.” Montana Field Guide. Accessed 28 July 2021. https://fieldguide.mt.gov/speciesDetail.aspx?elcode=P
