Giant Sacaton

An endangered native southwest grass, the Giant Sacaton grass is indeed a "giant". The Giant Sacaton can grow very tall and grass bunches can grow impressively large in diameter. Though these grasses are very drought-hardy, in some areas of the desert, they are in danger due to overgrazing and disrupted ecosystems (and even collection for ornamental uses). The Giant Sacaton lives in areas that experience natural seasonal flooding. Damage and disruption to these floodplains can cause natural floodwaters to divert away from Sacaton grass communities. This disruption can eventually lead to the extinction of these giant grasses in natural habitats. Because these grasses are so large, their root systems are important to the stability of the soils. Giant Sacaton grasses are also an important feature to native wildlife. They are beautiful!