Distichlis spicata is a species in the Poaceae (Grass) family. This grass is native to the Americas, where it is widespread. It can be found on other continents as well, where it is naturalized, and in California it is found in virtually every county. D. spicata is a hardy perennial with rhizomes and sometimes stolons. it can form dense, monotypic stands. It is an erect grass which occasionally approaches half a meter in height but is generally shorter. It spreads to occupy suitable areas. The solid, stiff stems have narrow leaves up to 10 centimeters in length, which may be crusted with salt in saline environments, excreting salts from its tissues via salt glands. This species is dioecious, meaning the male flowers and female flowers grow on separate individuals. The pistillate flower cluster may be up to 8 centimeters long, with green or purple-tinted spikelets. The staminate flowers look quite similar, thinner but larger overall and denser. The flower parts of both sexes may be bright pinkish-purple. This plant grows easily in salty and alkaline soils. It is not often used in residential gardens but is valuable in restoration projects.