Giant Sacaton
Sporobolus wrightii
Summary
Giant Sacaton is the common name for this large California and Southwest native grass. This species improved in appearance throughout the growing season and averaged very good overall appearance from late June through the end of the trial with highest ratings on the lowest treatment (Table 18a). There were no significant differences in growth between treatments. The flowering stalks are very tall and dramatic, rising several feet above the foliage and adding significantly to the plant profile in both height and width as it matured and became looser in habit. This species would need a large landscape.
Much like other grasses, Sporobolus wrightii scores increased as the season progressed, and the plants initiated their floral display (Table 18b). Aside from a comment or two listing the cultivar as “not my taste,” in general most participants praised S. wrightii’s “amazing shape and form” and noting it was “consistently wonderful” and a “nice local plant”. While this plant was generally well received, with potential to be a “replacement for pampas grass”, it was noted that it’s large size makes it impressive “for some contexts, not for small gardens.” As with many grasses, they do possess the ability to add a graceful movement in the garden, since the “seed clusters sway in [the] breeze.”
Basic Info
| Submitted by: | San Marcos Growers |
| Trial Exposure: | Sun |
| Year evaluated: | 2017 |
|
Height & Width
(after 2 years):
|
48" x 90" - UC Davis
|
|
Reported Height & Width
(at maturity):
|
4-6' x 3-5' |
| WUCOLS plant type: | G N |
| Water Needs & WUCOLS Region: |
Low - Region 2
|
|
Mean Overall
Appearance rating:
(1-5 Scale, 5 is highest)
|
4.4 - UC Davis
|
|
Flowering Months
|
June-October - UC Davis
|
Growth and Quality Data
Click Here for Complete Data Set
