Sacaton S. wrightii Munro ex. Magness et al. 1971 Alkali sacaton is a native bunchgrass found from South Dakota west to Washington and south into Mexico. Basal foliage is abundant, the leaves being up to 18 inches long and 0.25 inch wide.
Roots are fibrous and deep-penetrating.
The grass will grow on moist, alkaline soils, hence the name, but also occurs on other soil types. It is palatable while succulent but becomes tough and unpalatable when ripe. Hay is of fair quality if cut early. Propagation is by seed, which is usually harvested from native stands. Sacaton is a more robust grower than alkali sacaton and is more southern in its range, being native from West Texas to Arizona and south into Mexico.