[2] Distichlis spicata thrives along coastlines and on salt flats and disturbed soils, as well as forest, woodland, montane, and desert scrub habitats.

Its rhizomes have sharp points which allow it to penetrate hard soils and aerenchymous tissues, which allow it to grow underwater and in mud.

It is an erect grass which occasionally approaches half a meter in height but is generally shorter.

The solid, stiff stems have narrow leaves up to 10 centimeters in length, which may be crusted with salt in saline environments.

Saltgrass along the Atlantic coast was the primary source of hay for the early colonists.