Alkali Cordgrass
Spartina gracilis

Family: Grass (Poaceae)
AKA:
Photo taken on: June 30, 2019
Location: Russell Lakes State Wildlife Area, SLV, CO
Life Zones: Plains and foothills
Habitat: Alkaline and saline wetlands

Grows 16" to 40" tall with erect, usually solitary stems. The leaves are flat and ridged, and may roll in when new. The flower head is a dense spike 3" to 10" long of 3 to 12 alternate branches close to the stem. Each branch is lined with densely packed spikelets. The plant at left is in bloom so easy to spot.