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| ## big sacaton {#big-sacaton .Title-Header}                           |
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| *Sporobolus wrightii* Munro ex Scribn.                                |
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| Plant Symbol = SPWR2                                                  |
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Contributed by: USDA NRCS Kika de la Garza Plant Materials Center

![Color image of Big Sacaton (Sporobolus
wrightii)](media/image2.jpeg){width="2.197244094488189in"
height="3.2956692913385828in"}

##### Alternate Names {#alternate-names .Header-3}

*Sporobolus airoides* (Torr.) Torr. var. *wrightii* (Munro ex Scribn.)
Gould

##### Uses {#uses .Header-3}

Big sacaton may be used in pure stands or as part of a rangeland seeding
mix for highly alkaline soils. It is useful for revegetating saline
soils throughout the Southwest. It performs well as a grass hedge
terrace or windstrip for erosion control. It helps stabilize watershed
structures, stream banks and flood plain areas. Big sacaton is also
useful for wildlife cover.

##### Status {#status .Header-3}

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural
Resources for this plant's current status (e.g. threatened or endangered
species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).

##### Description {#description .Header-3}

Big sacaton (*Sporobolus wrightii*) is a native, warm-season grass that
forms dense clumps. It is a coarse, upright bunch grass that can grow
from 3 to 8 feet tall. Leaves are anywhere from 1 to 2½ inches wide and
up to 1 foot long. The pale flowers of big sacaton form in stiff,
upright clusters 1 to 2 feet long.

##### Adaptation and Distribution {#adaptation-and-distribution .Header-3}

Big sacaton grows primarily on heavier soils in lowland or wetland
sites. It is tolerant of highly alkaline and saline soil, and can
tolerate poorly drained soils and seasonally flooded areas. The plant is
also found on open areas such as rocky slopes, plateaus, and mesas.

Big sacaton is distributed throughout the Southwest. For a current
distribution map, please consult the Plant Profile page for this species
on the PLANTS Website.

##### Establishment {#establishment .Header-3}

Seedbed preparation should begin well in advance of planting. Planting
can be scheduled for early spring or where there is minimal cool-season
weeds, big sacaton can also be planted in the fall.

Establish a clean, weed-free seedbed by either tillage or herbicides.
Prior to planting, the site should be firm and have accumulated soil
moisture.

Big sacaton seed can be drilled or broadcast. Seed should be planted at
1/8 to 1/4 inch depth. It is better to plant too shallow than too deep.
A seeding rate of 1/2 to 1 pound of pure live seed per acre is
recommended. Plants can also be grown in small paper containers and then
transplanted for establishment of grass hedges and wind barriers. On
saline soils, weed-free mulch can be used to improve establishment.
Establishment is highly dependent on good rainfall or irrigation.

Soil analysis should be performed prior to planting to determine
salinity levels and necessary levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and
potassium. Nitrogen should not be applied until the stand is
established. Evaluate the stand after 60 days. If 1 plant per square
foot is present than the planting has been successful.

##### Management {#management .Header-3}

Big sacaton should not be grazed the first year. After stands are
established, either continuous or rotational grazing can be used. It is
recommended that a minimum 12-inch stubble height be maintained under
continuous grazing. For rotational grazing, forage height should be
utilized between 8 to 16 inches. Big sacaton will benefit from an annual
mowing at an 18-24 inch height when used as a grass hedge or wind
barrier.

##### Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials (and area of origin) {#cultivars-improved-and-selected-materials-and-area-of-origin .Header-3}

The Falfurrias Germplasm release of big sacaton was chosen because of
its ability to produce abundant forage, especially on droughty, alkaline
and saline sites. It also produces nutritious, green forage throughout
the winter months in south Texas. This selected collection came from
Falfurrias, TX. It was evaluated at both the Kika de la Garza Plant
Materials Center and the Knox City Plant Materials Center.

##### Prepared By & Species Coordinators:  {#prepared-by-species-coordinators .Header-3}

*John Lloyd-Reilley*, Manager

*Elizabeth Kadin*, Research Assistant

Kika de la Garza Plant Materials Center, Kingsville, TX

##### 

##### Edited: 06Feb2002 JLK; 060817 jsp {#edited-06feb2002-jlk-060817-jsp .Header-4}

For more information about this and other plants, please contact your
local NRCS field office or Conservation District, and visit the PLANTS
Web site\<[http://plants.usda.gov](http://plants.usda.gov/)\> or the
Plant Materials Program Web site
\<[http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov](http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov/)\>

*The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in
all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual
orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases
apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require
alternative means for communication of program information (Braille,
large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA\'s [TARGET
Center](http://www.usda.gov/oo/target.htm) at 202-720-2600 (voice and
TDD).*

*To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of
Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence
Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice or
TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.*

*Read about [Civil Rights at the Natural Resources Convervation
Service](http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/civilrights/).*