FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- With the state's current drought, wouldn't it be nice to have a lawn that only needs water once a month in summer?

That could become reality, thanks to research being conducted at Colorado State University in Fort Collins.

The water-saving solution could possibly found with salt grass, a type of grass that grows mostly in salty areas, 7NEWS reported.

Scientists discovered that salt grass can grow wild where no other green plants could.

"It's a grass that would fit very well into the whole idea of xeriscape, reduced water," turf specialist Tony Koski said.

Along with his research colleagues from CSU and the University of Arizona, Koski collected specimens from golf courses, from roadsides, and began the long breeding process to put together the perfect drought-resistant grass specimen.

"These 400 plots represent the winners of the past five years. Certain strains in other plots didn't make it because they didn't deal with disease, cold or being mowed," Koski said as he pointed to a field of various grass types.

The next step for researchers is to mix up the best plant ever, one that would make good on the potential promise of just once-a-month watering.

"You might find one that has nice texture, nice color, one that's a nice seed producer, another one that grows low. You try to put all those characteristics, and get a nice grass that you can put on the market," Koski said.

Another benefit to the salt grass is less work -- because it's hardier and grows slower, it doesn't need to be mowed as often, researchers said.

The salt grass could be available as a sod product possibly next year. Developing varieties to sell in seed form will take much longer, probably five or more years, 7NEWS reported.

And guess who has expressed interest in funding this project? The U.S. Golf Association.

More Resources:

Turf grass and Environmental Research
CSU Cooperative Extension Information On SaltGrass
Salt-grass information from Colorado State University