Puccinellia nuttalliana, commonly known as Nuttall’s alkaligrass, is a perennial halophytic (salt-tolerant) grass native to a wide range of saline habitats across North America, including the Arctic tundra, temperate mountainous areas, the Great Plains, the Great Basin, and coastal regions. It is particularly adapted to saline and alkaline soils, often found in salt marshes, wet meadows, and other moist, saline environments. This grass typically grows up to 1 meter tall and forms loose clumps, which can be beneficial for soil stabilization. The inflorescence is characterized by thin, spreading branches that bear small, inconspicuous flowers during the growing season.

Nuttall’s alkaligrass is valued for its ability to thrive in challenging environments with high soil salinity, making it an important species for revegetation projects in such areas. It is also used for forage in regions where other grasses may struggle to survive. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained and saline. While it is not commonly used in ornamental gardening, it serves a critical ecological role in its native habitats. Its robust root system helps to prevent soil erosion and provides a habitat for wildlife. Care should be taken when introducing this grass to non-native areas, as it can become invasive outside its natural range.CC BY-SA 4.0