Grasses of the Texas Hill Country: A Field Guide [1 ed.] 9781623490546, 9781585444670

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Grasses of the Texas Hill Country

number forty Louise Lindsey Merrick Natural Environment Series

Grasses of the Texas Hill Country A Field Guide By Brian Loflin and Shirley Loflin Stephan L. Hatch, Scientific Advisor

texas a&m university press College Station

Copyright © 2006 by Brian K. Loflin and Shirley A. Loflin Manufactured in China by Everbest Printing Co., through FCI Print Group All rights reserved Second Printing, 2012 The paper used in this book meets the minimum requirements of the American National Standard for Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials, Z39.48-1984. Binding materials have been chosen for durability.

library of congress cataloging-in-publication data Loflin, Brian.

Grasses of the Texas Hill Country :

a field guide / By Brian Loflin and Shirley Loflin ; scientific advisor, Stephan L. Hatch. p.  cm.—(Louise Lindsey Merrick natural environment series ; no. 40)

Includes bibliographical references and index.



ISBN 1-58544-467-7 (pbk. : alk. paper)

1.  Grasses—Texas—Texas Hill Country— Identification.  2. Grasses—Texas— Texas Hill Country—Pictorial works.  I.  Loflin, Shirley. II.  Title. III.  Series. QK495.G74L64 2005 584'.9'09764—dc22

2005010823

Our most sincere appreciation goes to our new friends, Esther and Bill ­McCormick, who provide an infectious love of nature and wildlands and who are blessed with an ­altruistic passion for education and ­preservation of all natural ­resources. Without their ­inspiration, stimulus, and support this project would have never been accomplished.

Contents

Preface ix Acknowledgments xi introduction 3 Area of Coverage What Is a Grass? Vegetational Areas of Texas How to Use This Book Plant Names species accounts of the grasses 19 Genera of Represented Grasses Species Accounts Glossary 181 Bibliography 187 Index 189

Preface

As this work started, and at many

characteristics, but most importantly

times along the roads of Texas,

the text describes the supporting soil

people asked us why we would ever

type, habitat, the grass’s value as a

want to produce a book on grass.

crop, and its other uses by wildlife,

After the humor subsided, we told

farmers, ranchers, and landscapers.

them of the abundance, variety, and



importance of the many grass spe-

complicated black-ink line drawings,

cies of Texas. We told them about

this guide has neither the technical

agricultural value and commercial

language nor specialized, hard-to-use

importance, of land stabilization,

keys of the academic botanist. It is de-

aesthetic beauty, and of secondary

signed to feature large, detailed close-

uses by wildlife. After a further chat

up color photographs of each species.

and a kind handshake, they left with

These, combined with color habitat

a much deeper understanding.

images, illustrate the grasses. Special



techniques and new technology in pho-

.

We feel this photographic identi-

Unlike more scientific works with

fication guidebook is a useful tool for

tographic films and color reproduction

amateur and professional naturalists,

provide an excellent perspective of the

ranchers, land stewards, educators,

grasses in a way that enables easy spe-

and many others interested in the

cies field identification by the naturalist

natural science of Texas. Included in

with a specimen in hand.

this easy-to-use field guide are



seventy-nine of the most important

land stewards, and educators in natu-

grasses found in the region.

ral science give the project praise. We



Significant information about

hope it will become a well-used and

each grass is provided along with the

most-enjoyed publication and a wor-

identification photos. The informa-

thy resource for those who care about

tion includes references to visual

our natural environment.

Noted botanists, ranch managers,

x 

preface

Acknowledgments

A three-year undertaking of this mag-

of Selah—The Bamberger Ranch.

nitude cannot be completed alone.



There is a vast wealth of information,

and enforcement officers of the many

plant material, inspiration, and plain

Texas state parks and natural areas

old-fashioned perspiration in the

where much of this body of work was

Texas sun, combined with a lot of

completed. These include Colorado

moral support, that has become the

Bend, Pedernales Falls, South Llano

underpinning of the successful com-

River, Kerrville-Schreiner, Garner,

pletion of this work, for which we are

and Blanco River State Parks, and

deeply grateful.

Enchanted Rock and Lost Maples



State Natural Areas.

These caring and unselfish sup-

We also thank the managers, staff,

porters include: Flo Oxley, senior



botanist of Lady Bird Johnson Na­

Hatch, Ph.D., director of the S. M. Tracy

tional Wildflower Center; Carol

Herbarium, Texas A&M University at

Knepp, executive director of Wild

College Station, for his early endorse-

Basin Wilderness Preserve; Tom

ment of the project as well as for his

Wendt, Ph.D., curator of the Univer-

continuous mentoring and confirma-

sity of Texas Herbarium in Austin for

tion of the taxonomic effort herein.

Our special thanks go to Stephan L.

his early inspiration and conviction in



the project; Lew Hunnicutt, Ph.D., for

senior editor for natural science at

his guidance with species identifica-

Texas A&M University Press, for her

tion and being a solid sounding board

belief in the two of us and the value

for production ideas and content; and

of this project.

Margaret and David Bamberger for



their generosity and for graciously

friends who were an amazing inspira-

providing the lands, grasses, and

tion and yet so often neglected during

natural science educational resources

this time, we give our deepest thanks.

And thanks go to Shannon Davies,

And to our families and dear

Grasses of the Texas Hill Country

Introduction

Area of Coverage

special to many Texans for its history,

The study area of this book encom-

agribusiness economy, scenic beauty,

passes a large portion of nineteen

natural wildlife, and exceptional rec-

west central Texas counties popularly

reational enjoyment.

known as the “Texas Hill Country.”



This region encompasses some 24

area as illustrated below. This region

million acres geographically situated

includes the land within the area

around the Edwards Plateau. This

roughly bordered by Interstate High-

unique and well-defined region is

way 35 on the east, U.S. Highway 90

Figure 1. Texas Hill Country area of study.

The book covers the geographic

introduction

4 on the south, Texas Highway 29 on



the north, and Texas Highway 55 and

or vacation properties and sporting

U.S. Highway 377 on the west.

lands have been developed through-



out the Hill Country. Some are

The study area includes all or a por-

tion of the following Texas ­counties:

In recent decades, many weekend

only a few acres in size; others are thousands of acres. These properties

Bandera Kimble

often modify traditional land use and

Bexar

conservation practices. Each land is

Llano

Blanco Mason

unique in its needs. While some prop-

Burnet Medina

erty owners are knowledgeable about

Comal Real

land stewardship and practice good

Edwards

conservation, preservation, and resto-

San Saba

Gillespie Travis

ration practices, some do not.

Hays



Uvalde

The Edwards Plateau is geologic­

Kendall Williamson

ally unique. Deeply dissected lime-

Kerr

stone hillsides, broad, undulating divides, and stony plains establish di-

This area is largely rangeland. Its

versity in range habitats. The soils are

mixture of vegetation supports herds

usually shallow yet fertile and vary

of cattle, sheep, and goats. Cultiva-

from sand to clay and are frequently

tion is relatively confined to the soils

calcareous in origin.

deposited along narrow streams and



some valleys. Sorghum, peaches, and

Mason counties contains nearly

wine grapes are important products

1.5 million acres of the granite and

of the area.

sandy soils mixture known as the



Central Basin. The western portion

The Hill Country also supports the

The central portion in Llano and

largest white-tailed deer population

of the area is comprised of the semi-

in North America. Deer hunting and

arid Stockton Plateau. Bordered on

big game wildlife production has be-

its eastern and southern sides, the

come of major economic importance.

Balcones Escarpment forms a visible

Large herds of exotic species includ-

boundary of the Edwards Plateau,

ing axis, sika, and fallow deer; black-

roughly following Interstate Highway

buck antelope; and mouflon rams and

35 and U.S. Highway 90.

aoudad sheep are now managed for



sport hunting, creating immeasurable

native grassland and open savannah-

annual revenues.

type plains with brushy species found

Originally, the Hill Country was

introduction 

5

 

Figure 2. A typical landscape of tallgrass and mixed shortgrass species of the Texas Hill Country. The area is commonly rolling calcareous limestone hills with abundant shin oak and juniper shrubs. The predominant grasses seen here include Lindheimer muhly, yellow indiangrass, switchgrass, sideoats grama, and little bluestem.

in areas having good soil moisture. Throughout the Hill Country, as in other parts of the state, smaller ecological sites exist, each with its unique capability to produce different plant populations. Some are mesic and

along the hillsides and streams. The

some more arid, each supporting its

“big four” grasses of the American

own blend of plant communities. In

tallgrass prairies—big bluestem,

the more arid areas of the Hill Coun-

little bluestem, yellow indiangrass,

try, shorter, more drought-resistant

and switchgrass—are still common

grasses such as sideoats grama, Texas

introduction

6 grama, and buffalograss are better



adapted than the tall, “big four” grass

cies of native and introduced vascular

species.

plants have been recorded from the



Hill Country. Throughout the state of

The principal grasses of the clay

Today, approximately 2,500 spe-

loam soils include cane bluestem, sil-

Texas there are listed 143 genera of

ver bluestem, little bluestem, sideoats

grass plants with about 560 species

grama, hairy grama, yellow indian-

and 60 subspecies. More than half,

grass, plains lovegrass, and others.

some 280 species of grass, are found



The Stockton Plateau supports

in the Hill Country, establishing this

short- to midgrass mixed species,

region as a significantly diverse geog-

including cane bluestem, little blue-

raphy for the study of these important

stem, sideoats and hairy gramas,

plants.

common curly-mesquite, buffalo-



grass, fall witchgrass, tridens, and

215 species are native, with several

elymus.

endemic to the Hill Country area.



The approximately 65 remaining spe-

Throughout the Hill Country,

Of these grasses approximately

rocky areas support grass populations

cies are introduced to the region and

under a canopy of the live oak, shin

elsewhere. This book will cover both

oak, juniper, and mesquite that domi-

the native and introduced species

nate the woody vegetation. These

that occur naturally in the region and

woody species have invaded to the

may be found with common regular-

point that they require specific con-

ity. The text does not include any of

trol as part of the range management

the ornamental grasses that may be

process. In addition, many species of

encountered. While these plants are

cacti, yucca, and other succulents are

of importance from a landscaping

common.

perspective, they do not fit within the



context of this treatment.

The Texas Hill Country is well

known botanically. The earliest professional botanical collections were

What Is a Grass?

those of Jean Louis Berlandier and

A grass is a flowering member of the

the notable Texas botanist Ferdinand

plant family Poaceae or Gramineae. A

Lindheimer. Lindheimer collected

biological family is a large grouping

in the area for some years and many

of plants considered by the scientific

of the species of the region carry his

community to have close physical

name. From the 1920s onward, many

characteristics.

botanists have collected here.



Grasses are characterized as

Seadhead/Inflorescence

Stem/Culm

Leaves

Figure 3. Typical grass plant—johnsongrass.

introduction

8

different visually. These visual differ-

Stem/Culm

ences provide some of the best first clues to the identification of the plant.

Node

These similar visual characteristics

will also serve as a method in the organization of this book. This method is not always an accurate taxonomic grouping. However, because this book is written for lay people, it serves for a more rapid overall identification. Details of this method of identification will be found in the section titled How to Use This Book.

Fibrous roots

The grass flower is found in a spe-

cialized structure called a spikelet.

Figure 4. Fibrous roots of a typical grass plant.

generally thin, erect plants that are

Stem/Culm

mostly green or bluish-green at first appearance. The plant arises from many fibrous roots. A grass plant has

Leaf blade

long, characteristically round stems that are hollow. On the stems are visible bulges called nodes, where the leaves or other stems are attached.

Grass generally has long, narrow

leaves with parallel veins. The base of the leaf wraps around the stem in a structure called a sheath. An ap-

Ligule

pendage called a ligule is found at the junction of the leaf blade and sheath.

Grass has specialized seedheads

and flowers. These seedheads are of many structural types and are quite

Leaf sheath Figure 5. Stem and leaf (blade, sheath, and ligule) of giantreed.

introduction 

9

 

Seedhead/Inflorescence

Vegetational Areas of Texas The state of Texas is vast. A drive from the eastern border with Louisiana to El Paso is something over 800 miles across a most diverse terrain

Main axix of seedhead

and habitat. A drive from Brownsville north to Dalhart in the Panhandle is quite similar. The fauna and flora found within the borders are as diverse as the state is vast.

However, within the state lie sev-

eral areas, each with unique habitat, geographical diversity, and growth opportunities. To better provide a

Uppermost leaf blade Leaf sheath

Stigma branch (Female)

Figure 6. Typical seedhead of johnsongrass.

A spikelet is the basic unit of a grass inflorescence, usually consisting of a

Stamen (Male)

short axis, bracts, glumes, and one or more florets. The floret is the flower with its enclosing bracts (lemma and palea).

These structures are usually quite

small, requiring magnification for study. For the most part, this book will not deal with these small anatomical structures.

Figure 7. Detail of yellow indiangrass seedhead with flowers in bloom.

introduction

10

5. Cross Timbers and Prairies 6. South Texas Plains 7. Edwards Plateau 8. Rolling Plains 9. High Plains 10. Trans-Pecos Palea

How to Use This Book

Lemma

The purpose of this book is to provide the nonscientist an easy-to-use visual guide to the grasses. Therefore, grasses in this book are arranged by structural similarity, not always an ac-

Second glume

curate botanical taxonomic ­grouping.

First glume

In using photographs, one must

remember that the grass in hand may vary somewhat from the image in the book. This fact is due to various seasons of the year and the stage in the specimen’s life cycle. It too may vary due to the region, topography, and soil conditions, as well as localized

Figure 8. An enlarged view of two spikelets of canyon muhly. (Each of the spikelets illustrated here measure about 1/10 inch in length.)

climate variations. In order to confirm an identification, read the more detailed descriptions of the species in hand and do not rely solely on the

description of ecological growth,

photographs.

these areas have been delineated and



named as shown below. This text will

this book follows a grouping based

use these vegetational areas in refer-

on the anatomical arrangement of

ence to grass distribution.

the structure of the grass seedhead or

The arrangement of the grasses in

inflorescence. These are divided into 1. Pineywoods

spikes, racemes, spicate racemes, and

2. Gulf Prairies and Marshes

panicles. Within the seedhead-type

3. Post Oak Savannah

grouping, the grasses are arranged

4. Blackland Prairies

alphabetically by scientific name.

Figure 9. Vegetational areas of Texas 1. Pineywoods 2. Gulf Prairies and Marshes 3. Post Oak Savannah 4. Blackland Prairies 5. Cross Timbers and Prairies 6. South Texas Plains 7. Edwards Plateau 8. Rolling Plains 9. High Plains 10. Trans-Pecos

12

introduction

Panicles are further divided into ad-

sessile spikelets and short pedicellate

ditional specialized types.

spikelets at each node. An example



is little bluestem, Schizachyrium sco-

Each section is identified by a

color icon representative of that seed-

parium, shown above.

head printed at the margin of each page. A review of the following inflorescence types and its icon will help in the recognition process.

pa n i c l e o f d i g i tat e s p i c at e b r a n c h e s

Panicles of digitate spicate branches have spicate primary branches prespike

dominately radiating from a com-

The spike has no branches arising

mon node at the apex of the axis. An

from the central axis (rachis). The

example is bermudagrass, Cynodon

spikelet is attached directly to the

dactylon, shown above.

central rachis without a stalk or pedicel. An example is Canada wildrye, Elymus canadensis, shown above.

pa n i c l e o f a lt e r n at e s p i c at e b r a n c h e s

A panicle of alternate spicate s p i c at e r a c e m e

branches has unilateral spicate

The spicate raceme also has no

pri­mary branches arising from the

branches from the rachis. It features

nodes on each side of the stem. These

introduction 

13

 

branches in turn have the appearance

to many spikelets supported by each

of being one-sided. An example is

branch or branchlet. The panicle is

vaseygrass, Paspalum urvillei, shown

tightly compressed in appearance

above.

by the growth structure, or, often by the many structures crowding the seedhead. An example is giant reed, Arundo donax, shown above.

pa n i c l e o f v e r t i c i l l at e s p i c at e b r a n c h e s

Panicles of verticillate spicate branches are similar to panicles of

o p e n pa n i c l e

digitate spicate branches, yet they

The open panicle inflorescence has

include primary spicate branching

primary branches that branch and

from several nodes along the axis. An

rebranch again. It has several spike-

example is shortspike windmillgrass,

lets supported by each branch or

Chloris subdolichostachya, shown

branchlet. In appearance there is a lot

above.

of space between the growth structures. An example is plains lovegrass, Eragrostis intermedia, shown above. Several characteristics are common to all grasses; origin, longevity, season of growth, and grazing response for cattle are represented on each species account by icons, easing the identification of these important character-

c o n t r a c t e d pa n i c l e

The contracted panicle inflorescence has primary branches that branch and rebranch again. It has several

istics.

introduction

14 origin

grazing response

Native—Grasses that are

Decreaser—Productive species

indigenous to Texas.

in the original climax vegetation stand that are palatable to

Introduced—Grasses that

livestock and will decrease on a range

have been brought in from

when exposed to grazing pressures or

foreign lands for cultivation or as

disturbance.

weeds. Increaser—Species in the original stand that increase

longevity

Annual—Plants completing

in site and number to take the place

their life cycle from seed to

of decreasers that have weakened or

death within a single season.

died due to grazing or disturbance.

Perennial—Plants with a life

Invader—Weedy species

span of more than two seasons.

that can move into an area and become dominant in terms of

season of growth

cover, resource use, or other ecologi-

Warm season—Grasses that

cal impacts. These are generally not

grow predominantly in the

palatable plants that invade and

spring and summer.

replace the plants that have died or become seriously weakened.

Cool season—Grasses that grow predominantly in the

poisonous

Poisonous—Plants that may

late fall, winter, or early spring.

be toxic to cattle or domestic livestock at some period in their life cycle.

introduction 

15

 

Plant Names

common name. The reference used

We carefully name plants so that

by the authors herein for accuracy

communication with one another

in taxonomy is “The 2004 Grasses of

can be accurate, and without misun-

Texas Checklist,” published online by

derstanding. Plants have two names,

Texas A&M University. Other com-

the common name and the scientific

mon names are listed for reference

name. Most people are familiar with

within the individual species account.

many common grass names. This may



lead to problems, however, in that

come from Latin or Greek origins.

a grass may have several common

Listed below is a collection of the

names, as with hairy crabgrass, which

origins of names for some of the grass

is also called broad crabgrass, south-

genera collected in this book.

Scientific grass names generally

ern crabgrass, and large crabgrass. This is often a function of history or

Andropogon From the Greek aner

of regional geography.

(andr-, man) and



The scientific name is comprised

pogon (beard), allud-

of two parts, usually in Latin and to

ing to villous pedicels

a more universally accepted stan-

of sterile and male-

dard. The first name is the genus, grouping grasses into quite similar

only spikelets Aristida From the Latin arista

characteristics, structurally and

or the Greek aristos

genetically. The second name is

(bristle, or awn)

the specific epithet, further breaking down the similarities, thus defining the unique plant species. Infrequently, the grass is further divided into subspecies and varieties,

Arundo From the Latin arundo, a reed Avena From the Latin avena (nourishment) Bothriochloa From the Greek both-

accounting for more finite particu-

rion (a pit) and chloë

lars of the grass. So, if talking about

(a grass), alluding to

hairy crabgrass for instance, the

pitted lower glumes

scientific name, Digitaria sanguinalis, leaves no doubt as to the subject grass species of the discussion.

Every effort is made in this book to

Bouteloua Named for the brothers Claudio and Esteban Boutelou Bromus From the Greek bro-

assure the latest in taxonomical con-

mos (oat), and broma

vention and the most authoritative

(food)

introduction

16 Buchloë From the Greek bou-

(love) or era (earth)

chloë (grass), a rendi-

and agrostis (a grass),

tion of the common

probably alluding

name “buffalograss”

to the characteristic

Cenchrus From the Greek kegchros (millet) Chloris From the Greek chloros (green), referring to the leaves; also

earthy, human female aroma of the inflorescences of many species Eriochloa From the Greek erion

named for Chloris,

(wool) and chloë

mythological Greek

(grass), referring to

goddess of flowers

the hairy spikelets

Cynodon From the Greek kuon (kun-, dog) and odon-

and pedicels Leptochloa From the Greek leptos

tos (tooth), referring

(slender) and chloë

to the hard, conical,

(a grass), referring to

sharp scales on the

inflorescences

rhizomes Dichanthium From the Greek dicha (two) and anthos (flower), alluding to

Lolium Latin lolium: a name given by Virgil to a troublesome weed Muhlenbergia Named for noted

two kinds of spikelets

botanist G. H. E.

found in the inflores-

Muhlenberg

cence Digitaria From the Latin digitus (finger), alluding to radiating inflorescence branches Echinochloa From the Greek echi-



Eragrostis From the Greek eros

balos (buffalo) and

Panicum Panicum: an old Latin name for common millet Paspalum From the Greek paspalos, a kind of millet Phalaris Phalaris is the name

nos (hedgehog) and

for members of this

chloë (grass), allud-

genus in both ancient

ing to the echinate in-

and modern Greek.

florescence branches

Perhaps via phalos

Elymus Elumos: an old Greek name for a kind of grain

(shining), referring to the glossy lemma,

introduction 

17

 

or (the ridge of a hel-

Sporobolus From the Greek spora

met), describing the

(seed) and ballein (to

keel-winged glumes

throw), alluding to the free seed and the

Schizachyrium From the Greek

manner of its release

schizein (to split) and achuron (chaff),



Tridens From the Latin tria

referring to the upper

(three) and dens

lemma

(tooth), referring to

Setaria From the Latin seta (a bristle), alluding to bristly inflorescences

three excurrent veins of Tridens flavus, the type species

Sorghastrum From Sorghum and

Tripsacum From the Greek tri

Latin suffix astrum

(three) and psakas

(a poor imitation of)

(small pieces), as in

Sorghum From sorgho, the

breaking up of spikes

Italian name for the

into at least three

plant

pieces

Species Accounts of the Grasses

Species Accounts of the Grasses

Genera of Represented Grasses genus and common names:

Andropogon

bluestem

Eriochloa

cupgrass

Aristida

threeawn

Erioneuron

erioneuron

Arundo

giantreed

Hilaria

mesquitegrass

Avena

oat

Leptochloa

sprangletop

Bothriochloa

bluestem

Lolium

ryegrass

Bouteloua

grama

Muhlenbergia

muhly

Bromus

brome

Nassella

needlegrass

Buchloë

buffalograss

Panicum

panicum

Cenchrus

sandbur

Paspalum

paspalum

Chasmanthium

woodoats

Phalaris

canarygrass

Chloris

windmillgrass,

Polypogon

bentgrass



chloris

Schizachyrium

bluestem

Cynodon

bermudagrass

Setaria

bristlegrass, millet

Dichanthelium

rosettegrass

Sorghastrum

indiangrass

Dichanthium

bluestem

Sorghum

sorghum

Digitaria

crabgrass

Sporobolus

dropseed

Echinochloa

barnyardgrass

Tridens

tridens

Elymus

wildrye,

Tripsacum

gamagrass



wheatgrass

Urochloa

signalgrass

Eragrostis

lovegrass

canada wildrye

Elymus canadensis

23

Habitat soils

This species is found on a wide range

Features

of soil types, but more common in

Canada wildrye is a native, 36- to 59-

sand, rocky soils, loams, and clays.

inch-tall perennial, cool season, dark

where found

green, tufted bunchgrass with fairly

Canada wildrye can be found grow-

wide blades. It produces fine-awned

ing in moist areas of shaded ravines,

seedhead spikes resembling wheat

wooded canyons, and open bottoms.

or barley that droop or nod when

It is often seen in open areas of prai-

mature. Spikelets are in pairs, threes

ries, stream banks, ditches, and dis-

or fours. Very visible awns are more

turbed areas.

than twice as long as the lemma. Also

distribution

called nodding wildrye because of the

This grass occurs in most of Texas

drooping seedheads.

except Area 6.

Uses

Growing Season

e c o n o m i c va l u e

Reproducing by seeds and tillers,

Canada wildrye is very palatable and

Canada wildrye can be prolific from

nutritious, and is readily consumed

seeds. Bloom time starts in March

by livestock, providing good early

and produces seed from May through

spring cattle grazing and fair forage

December.

for wildlife. The forage value decreases with maturity. Rarely, ergot can infest the inflorescence, and make it potentially dangerous to livestock. other uses

Canada wildrye provides good cover for many species of small mammals and birds that eat grain. Grass parts are used for nesting and denning material. This grass is a larval host plant for the zabulon skipper butterfly. The tufted grass has very attractive seedheads and does well as an accent plant in shady areas.

virginia wildrye

Elymus virginicus

25

where found

Virginia wildrye can be found on shaded banks, fencerows, and open

Features

woodlands.

Virginia wildrye is a 24- to 48-inch

distribution

perennial, cool season, native grass

Virginia wildrye occurs throughout

with stems in small clusters. The

most of Texas except Areas 9 and 10.

leaves are usually hairless but sometimes have minute hairs. The seed-

Growing Season

head is a stiffly erect, bristly spike,

Virginia wildrye reproduces by seeds

usually 2 to 6 inches long. It is often

and tillers. Bloom time starts as early

partly enclosed by the upper sheath.

as March and starts producing seed

The glumes are yellowish, hard, and

from April through June.

bowed out at the base.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Virginia wildrye provides good grazing for livestock and only fair forage for wildlife. other uses

Virginia wildrye provides seed and forage for birds and small mammals. Parts of this grass are used for denning and nesting material.

Habitat soils

This wildrye grows in a variety of sands and clays.

western wheatgrass   Elymus smithii  

27

colorful all winter. It forms a tight sod mat so planting with wildflowers is not recommended.

Features Western wheatgrass is a 12- to 36-

Habitat

inch perennial, cool season, native

soils

bunchgrass that stands very erect.

Western wheatgrass grows in a

Western wheatgrass is sod-form-

variety of clays, loams, and sands,

ing, growing from slender, creeping

but it does best in low areas of fine-

rootstocks with blue green stems and

textured alkaline soils where runoff

leaves. Leaves are straight, broad,

water accumulates.

rough, strongly veined on the upper

where found

surface, and roll inward with matu-

It is common on prairies, but also

rity. The flat seedhead usually is awn-

found abundantly growing in low,

less. The seeds on this spike seedhead

moist flats, bottomlands, or flood-

overlap each other. Also called blue-

plains.

stem wheatgrass because of its bluish-

distribution

colored stems and leaves.

This grass occurs in Texas Areas 5 and 7–10.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Growing Season

Western wheatgrass provides nutri-

Western wheatgrass reproduces from

tious grazing for cattle and is readily

seeds, tillers, and rhizomes. It pro-

consumed during the early growth

duces seed in May through June and

stage. This grass makes good quality,

goes dormant in midsummer. It can

high protein hay when cut during the

bloom and produce seed again in the

late-bloom stage. It is fair forage for

fall if there is adequate soil moisture.

wildlife. It decreases with overgrazing. other uses

Western wheatgrass provides good cover protection for many animals. Grass parts are used for nesting and denning material. Seeds are eaten by a variety of birds. It is the larval host plant of the golden skipper butterfly. This handsome blue green grass stays

common curly-mesquite   

Hilaria belangeri

29

other uses



The plant has good soil-binding quali-



ties and has potential as a rehabilita-

Features

tion species. Mulching with hay is

Common curly-mesquite is a native,

the most economical seed source.

perennial, warm season shortgrass.

Revegetated sites need ample irriga-

It is a low-growing sod-former that

tion. Requiring low maintenance, it

produces both rhizomes and stolons.

can be used as a lawn grass or better

Erect, 4- to 12-inch, often curly, pale

as a ground cover.

green tufts arise at wiry nodes of long, slender stolons. The 2- to 8-inch

Habitat

leaf blades are flat or involute and are

soils

usually densely tufted and crowded at

The plant grows on a wide variety of

the base and curly. The nodes of the

well-drained soils, including sands,

stems and stolons are hairy or fuzzy.

clays, and caliche, but grows best on

The inflorescence is a 1- to 1Ω-inch

loams or clay loams with a somewhat

spike, usually elevated on a slender

neutral pH.

stalk, having four to eight spikelet

where found

clusters alternately arranged on the

In the Hill Country, this plant is part

stem. The bare seedhead shows a zig-

of short- and midgrass rangelands in

zag stem after the spikelets fall. The

full sun on dry, open foothills, mesas,

foliage turns yellow when mature.

rocky slopes, and swales.

Aside from its hairy nodes, this spe-

distribution

cies looks like buffalograss. Also

Common curly-mesquite is found in

called creeping-mesquite, curly-

Texas Areas 2 and 4–10.

­mesquite, and mesquitegrass.

Growing Season Uses

Common curly-mesquite reproduces

e c o n o m i c va l u e

by seed or, more commonly, by long

Common curly-mesquite can be an

stolons that establish new tufts.

important forage species in the arid

Plants produce very few seeds and

Southwest. Although the species is not

are often sterile. It is one of the first

highly productive, it is highly grazing

grasses to start growth in the late

tolerant. Common curly-mesquite is

spring. Flowering occurs mostly from

one of the more palatable grass species

August to October, but occasionally

and is of fair-to-good nutritional value.

from March to November. It is dor-

It also responds well to disturbance.

mant during periods of drought.

perennial ryegrass

Lolium perenne

31

Habitat soils

Perennial ryegrass is found intro-

Features

duced and as an escapee in a variety

Perennial ryegrass is an annual or

of soils.

short-lived perennial, cool season,

where found

introduced bunchgrass. This grass is

This often cultivated grass can also be

24 to 36 inches tall with erect stems

found planted along roadsides, field

having a dark green color with dark

borders, and ditches.

swollen joints. This upright grass is

distribution

often purplish at the base. The ¿- to

Perennial ryegrass can be found

º-inch-wide leaves are shiny and have

throughout all Texas Areas.

flat, dark green blades, with prominent veins. Flat spikes as long as 12

Growing Season

inches are terminal and have spikelets

Ryegrass reproduces by seed. Its

that are placed edgewise and alternat-

growth starts January to February

ing along the seedhead. Also called

and flowers March to June.

ryegrass and English ryegrass.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Thought to be the first pasture grass to be cultivated in Europe, ryegrass is good grazing for livestock and fair forage for wildlife. At times, a fungal growth may cause toxicity in cattle. other uses

It is grown as lawn, meadow, and improved pasture grass.

willmann lovegrass

Eragrostis superba

33

Habitat soils

This lovegrass is adapted to most

Features

soils, especially sandy sites. It is not

Willmann lovegrass is an introduced,

as cold tolerant as the native grasses,

warm season, tufted perennial bunch-

but is drought resistant.

grass. It has medium-coarse foliage,

where found

bearing little resemblance to other

Willmann lovegrass prefers well-

lovegrasses. It produces erect to as-

drained soils in full sun and neglect,

cending 24- to 36-inch stems with

needing little irrigation.

a compact seedhead at the apex. It

distribution

also produces oval spikelets on short

Willmann lovegrass is found through-

branches alternately branching in

out north central to south Texas in

great profusion from the main stem.

Areas 4–7.

This species is rather new (thirty years or so) to Texas. Also called saw-

Growing Season

tooth lovegrass.

Willmann lovegrass flowers and produces seed from May through Octo-

Uses

ber. Germination of its seed is appar-

e c o n o m i c va l u e

ently higher after six months of aging.

Cattle find Willmann lovegrass palatable and will readily eat both green forage and cured hay. It recovers easily after intense grazing. It can be an important component of cattle grazed pastures because it is an increaser. other uses

White-tailed deer readily utilize this plant as forage. The thick undergrowth also provides cover for quail and other small mammals. Willmann lovegrass is also used for reseeding denuded land in dry areas.

little  

bluestem 

Schizachyrium scoparium var. scoparium

35

Parts of this grass are used for denning and nesting material. It is a host

plant to the common wood nymph,

Features

Leonard’s skipper, and swarthy skip-

Little bluestem is a 24- to 36-inch na-

per butterfly larvae. Little bluestem

tive, warm season, perennial bunch-

provides gardens with a variety of

grass with somewhat flattened stems

color and soft texture through the

and sheaths. The dense system of roots

seasons as it turns from blue green to

may reach down to eight feet in depth.

coppery gold in the fall.

Leaves and stems are a purplish to blue green color with sparkling silver

Habitat

seedheads in spring and summer that

soils

turn a dazzling russet red color in fall

Little bluestem grows in well-drained,

and winter, then leathery brown at

mesic sands, loams, and clay soils.

maturity. Seeds are small and fuzzy

where found

forming a seedhead of twisted awns.

Often a dominant species, little blue-

Little bluestem can be highly variable.

stem is found on prairies, dry hills,

Little bluestem is one of the “big four”

and along forest borders. This grass

grasses of the American tallgrass prai-

can be located on most range sites in

rie. Also called prairie beardgrass.

both high and low elevations, preferring openings in woods, rocky slopes

Uses

of pastures, and on prairies.

e c o n o m i c va l u e

distribution

One of the most important grasses,

Little bluestem can be found growing

little bluestem is one of the most

throughout the state, predominantly

wildly ranging bunchgrasses in the

in Texas Areas 2–10.

state and can tolerate a wide variety of moisture and drought. It also

Growing Season

provides fairly nutritious grazing for

Little bluestem reproduces via til-

cattle early in the growing season but

lers, rhizomes, and seeds, blooms

decreases with maturity. The plants

from August through December, and

decrease with heavy grazing by cattle.

produces seeds from September to

It is poor forage for wildlife.

December.

other uses

Little bluestem provides seed and forage for birds and small mammals.

eastern gamagrass   

Tripsacum dactyloides

37

other uses



Because of its large mass it provides good cover for small birds and mam-

Features

mals that also eat the seeds. Parts of

Eastern gamagrass is a 36- to 72-inch

the grass are used for denning and

perennial, warm season, native bunch-

nesting material. It is also a host plant

grass that grows in large clumps from

to the bunchgrass skipper butterfly

12 to 48 inches in diameter. Thick

larva. Providing excellent foliage, its

roots are suited to penetrate deep into

deep roots help prevent erosion in

heavy, moist clays. Robust stems that

waterways. In gardens, eastern gama-

flatten at the purplish base grow from

grass forms dense clumps useful for

rhizomes resembling white grubs or

buffers or for separation of areas. It

caterpillars. Blades are Ω- to 1-inch

also makes striking accent plants.

wide with rough or sharp margins. The inflorescence has one to three

Habitat

branches, sometimes 12 inches long

soils

with male spikelets near the apex and

Eastern gamagrass grows in sands,

female spikelets below. Male spikelets

loams, and clays.

grow in pairs, fitting into the hollows

where found

of the branch. Female spikelets are

Eastern gamagrass can be found

oval and hard, breaking into boney

growing in fertile bottomland soil, in

joints at maturity. This grass is closely

swamps, and along stream banks and

related to corn with seeds stacked

moist sites. It does not tolerate stand-

in the same manner, but it has both

ing water.

male and female parts on the same

distribution

seedhead. The plants stay green until

Eastern gamagrass occurs throughout

late fall.

Texas.

Uses

Growing Season

e c o n o m i c va l u e

Reproduction is predominantly by

Eastern gamagrass is palatable and

rhizomes. Bloom time starts in April

very nutritious for cattle. Cattle par-

through October and produces seed

ticularly like this grass, but can kill it

from April through November.

out through over-grazing. It provides only fair forage for wildlife.

big bluestem   

Andropogon gerardii



39

songbirds consume the seeds as well. Many species of butterflies utilize this grass as a host, and it is the larval

Features

food of choice for some. Big bluestem

Usually seen in large clumps, big blue-

can be used as an area grass with

stem is a 36- to 60-inch-tall, native,

wildflowers, as a dramatic garden

warm season, perennial bunchgrass

accent, or as erosion control. It is best

with many leaves. The lower leaves are

placed at the bottom of a slope.

generally covered with a silky hair and curl when dry. Growing from short

Habitat

rhizomes, its dense root system may

soils

reach depths of up to twelve feet. It is

This bluestem does best in rich, sandy

characterized by large, dark seedheads

soil but will do well even if the soil is

that usually spread in three branches.

acid or calcareous. It is best adapted

Mature plants have a reddish color

to deep, fertile, dry soils, but can also

after the first frost. Big bluestem will

be found on shallow, gravelly ridges.

often remain standing throughout the

where found

winter. Also known as turkey foot, it

Once one of the most abundant

is one of the “big four” grasses of the

grasses in the tallgrass prairie, seen

American tallgrass prairie.

most often in bottomlands, Big bluestem grows mostly in meadows and

Uses

openings in woods alongside other

e c o n o m i c va l u e

grasses. Today, this grass is becoming

This native tallgrass is one of the best

more infrequent because of changing

cattle forage grasses on the prairie.

land-use patterns.

Cattle relish big bluestem, usually

distribution

preferring it to other grasses. It is a

Big bluestem can be found throughout

good grass for making hay when cut

most of Texas but is not at its best in

at the time of seed production, al-

the arid Panhandle or the Trans-Pecos

though it becomes rather coarse late

area. It is found in Texas Areas 1–10.

in the growing season. Big bluestem will decrease with overgrazing.

Growing Season

other uses

Big bluestem reproduces primarily

While a poor grass for wildlife graz-

via rhizomes and blooms from August

ing, it does contribute greatly to

to November, becoming dormant

their habitat for cover, nesting, and

throughout winter. Seeds mature in

denning. Prairie chickens and some

the fall.

showy chloris

Chloris virgata

Habitat soils

This chloris is found in heavier tex-

Features

tured material including clays and

Showy chloris is a robust, native,

alkaline soils.

warm season annual that is somewhat

where found

variable in size and appearance. It is

Showy chloris is found as a weed

tufted and its culms range from a few

along roadsides, in disturbed sites,

inches to 38 inches tall. This species is

and waste areas.

often decumbent and stoloniferous at

distribution

its base. It has a 2- to 4-inch seedhead

This species is found throughout

with four to twenty erect, digitate

Texas.

branches in the panicle. The spikelets are tawny and crowded, giving the in-

Growing Season

florescence a feathery or silky appear-

Showy chloris flowers from May

ance. Also called feather fingergrass

through November.

and feathertop rhodesgrass.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Showy chloris is palatable to cattle. Some people believe that cultivation of showy chloris will produce a valuable forage crop. other uses

Showy chloris is a pretty grass for a garden. Its 2-inch fingers of feathery seedheads rise above blue green stems and leaves and are striking in the sunlight. It blooms over a long period of time. Care must be given, however, to prevent it from becoming weedy. Birds and small mammals consume its ripe seeds.

41

bermudagrass

Cynodon dactylon

43

to make hay and provide soil stabilization.

Features

Habitat

Bermudagrass is a 4- to 12-inch, pe-

soils

rennial, warm season, introduced,

Bermudagrass grows in any moder-

mat-forming sodgrass that is a dark

ately well-drained soil.

bluish green in color. This common

where found

lawn and pasture grass produces rhi-

Bermudagrass can be found just

zomes and stolons that take root at

about anywhere including lawns, va-

nodes. Internodes are flattened and

cant lots, pastures, ditches, roadsides,

the ligule has a conspicuous ring of

low areas, and along streams.

white hairs. The inflorescence has

distribution

three to six purple, digitate spikes,

This is a fast-growing weedy grass

resembling a bird’s foot.

occurring throughout Texas.

Uses

Growing Season

e c o n o m i c va l u e

Bermudagrass reproduces year-round

Under ideal conditions, bermuda-

by seeds, tillers, rooting stolons, and

grass can provide excellent grazing

rhizomes.

for cattle but only poor forage for wildlife. Toxic conditions for cattle may occur that are due to a fungal growth and unusually high levels of the amino acid tryptophan. other uses

Bermudagrass provides seed and forage for birds and small mammals. It is a host to fiery skipper, umber skipper, Julia’s skipper, obscure skipper, gemmed satyr, Carolina satyr, southern skipperling, sachem, and whirlabout butterfly larvae. Parts of the grass are used for denning and nesting material. This is a good pasture and lawngrass, frequently used

silky bluestem

Dichanthium sericeum

45

Habitat soils

Silky bluestem grows in heavy alka-

Features

line clay soil within areas that capture

Silky bluestem is an attractive warm

a lot of moisture.

season, introduced, 20- to 40-inch

where found

perennial. The tufted, slender culms

Silky bluestem is found in grassland

are erect and densely branched at the

plains and grassy woodlands. This

base. It is easily distinguished in the

grass is susceptible to frosts.

field by blue green leaves that are well

distribution

distributed and by nodes bearing a

Silky bluestem occurs in Texas Areas

ring of erect, white hairs. The inflo-

2–6.

rescence has two to seven densely clustered, conspicuous branches that

Growing Season

are ascending at the culm apex. These

Silky bluestem flowers in spring

upright flower branches are blue

through summer—May through

green in color. The spikelets are straw

September.

colored, have very long awns and are covered with silky hairs. These dense hairs give it a silky appearance. Native to Australia where it is called Queensland bluegrass.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Silky bluestem was introduced to Texas as a forage grass. It has fairly high yield and is palatable for cattle. other uses

Silky bluestem foliage is food for some butterfly caterpillars.

46

sideoats grama

Bouteloua curtipendula var. curtipendula

47

bluestem, where it does not compete with other shortgrasses.

Features

Habitat

Sideoats grama is an 18- to 42-inch,

soils

perennial, warm season, and native

This grass grows well on a wide va-

bunchgrass. It grows from strong,

riety of sands, loams, and clays. It

scaly rhizomes. The blades of this

prefers fine-textured soils that are

grass are flat with hairs arising from

calcareous or somewhat alkaline.

bumps along the edges. In winter the

where found

whitish leaves are curly. It resembles

Sideoats grama can be found in dry,

oats and derives its name from the

open grasslands and along borders

fact that the small oatlike seeds most

and openings of woods, rocky hill-

often hang down off only one side of

sides, and roadways. It thrives on

the stem, providing easy recognition.

well-drained uplands, ridges, and

Sideoats grama is the State Grass of

rocky areas.

Texas.

distribution

It is found in Texas Areas 5–7 and 10.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Growing Season

Sideoats grama is a high quality and

This grama reproduces from seeds, til-

nutritious forage, eagerly eaten by

lers, and rhizomes and begins bloom-

cattle and wildlife. It also makes

ing as early as May and produces seed

good hay.

from June until November.

other uses

Sideoats grama provides good grazing by many kinds of animals and is a good conservation grass as well as a good seed producer for birds. The grass parts are used for denning and nesting. It is a larval host plant for dotted skipper and green skipper butterflies. Wild turkeys use it for food and cover. This perennial works well as a garden accent. It is a good choice for a wildflower garden with little

blue   grama 

Bouteloua gracilis



49

other uses

Sparrows and finches, as well as other seedeaters, benefit from the

Features

seeds. This grass is a good choice for

Blue grama is one of the dominant

planting meadows or other areas as

grasses of shortgrass prairies. It is a

it leaves lots of space for wildflowers.

6- to 36-inch perennial, warm season,

It makes a nice display with buffalo-

native grass. The tufted and erect

grass.

grass grows in definite bunches and is mat-forming. It produces both

Habitat

rhizomes and roots. Blue grama

soils

typically has two branches on each

Blue grama grows best in loam and

stem, appearing like rooster comblike

sandy loam or gravelly soils, but will

spikes. The spikelets extend all the

adapt to a wide variety of soils as long

way to the tip of each branch without

as the soil is dry and well-drained.

the rachis of the branch projecting

where found

beyond the attachment point of the

Blue grama can be found on dry prai-

last spikelet (stinger). When the seed-

ries, grassy plains, and rocky slopes.

heads mature, they bend upward into

distribution

an eyebrowlike curve. Blue grama is

Blue grama occurs in Texas Areas 5

quite similar to hairy grama in ap-

and 7–10.

pearance, but can be distinguished by the lack of the stinger.

Growing Season Blue grama reproduces primarily via

Uses

tillers. Bloom time starts in June and

e c o n o m i c va l u e

it produces seed from July through

This grass is palatable and nutritious

November.

for cattle, but provides low forage productivity. It can withstand moderately heavy grazing and is frequently harvested for hay. Blue grama can survive extreme drought, reviving quickly when more suitable conditions occur. It provides good forage for wildlife.

hairy grama

Bouteloua hirsuta

51

Habitat soils

Hairy grama is usually found on

Features

shallow, dry, sandy, or rocky sites,

Hairy grama is a 6- to 30-inch na-

growing in well-drained sands, clays,

tive perennial, warm season, short

limestone, and caliche-like soils.

bunchgrass that grows in dense tufts.

where found

The culms are erect, usually with four

It is found on open range sites and

to six glabrous nodes. It has a fairly

occasionally in woodlands.

weak root system. Leaf blades are

distribution

hairy on the margins, especially at the

Hairy grama occurs throughout

base. The inflorescences are two to

Texas.

four rooster comblike branches that project beyond the last attachment

Growing Season

of the spikelets as a prominent point

It reproduces from tillers and seeds.

(stinger). Hairy grama is quite similar

Bloom time starts in May and pro-

to blue grama in appearance, but is

duces seed from June through

distinguished by inflorescences that

November.

have a stinger.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Hairy grama is nutritious for cattle. It has high palatability late in the growing season. It is fair forage for wildlife. other uses

Birds and small mammals use parts of this grass for nesting and denning material. It is a larval host plant for the green skipper and the orange roadside skipper. This is an attractive perennial when interspersed in an area with other bunchgrasses and wildflowers.

tall grama

Bouteloua pectinata

53

Habitat soils

Tall grama grows in calcareous soils

Features

that are frequently moist to wet from

Tall grama is a native, warm season

seepage.

perennial. It has stiffly erect, un-

where found

branched 14- to 30-inch culms usually

Tall grama is found on limestone out-

with three nodes. These plants arise

crops and hilltops.

from a firm or hard base. Narrow

distribution

leaves usually form a basal clump.

Tall grama is found in Texas Areas

The 10- to 18-inch inflorescence axis

5–7.

has three to five 1- to 2-inch spicate branches. Each branch may have forty

Growing Season

to fifty spikelets, and the rachis of the

Tall grama flowers from July to

branch projects as a point (stinger)

November.

past the last comblike spikelet. Tall grama resembles hairy grama except that it is frequently twice as tall with culms that usually have three nodes unlike the four to six nodes of hairy grama.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Many of the gramas in Texas provide fair forage for cattle and wildlife when present in suitable plant mass. other uses

Landscape use for tall grama includes midlevel borders around walks and other plantings. Tall grama mixes well with random plantings of wildflowers when left unmowed.

texas grama

Bouteloua rigidiseta var. rigidiseta

55

Habitat soils

Texas grama prefers well-drained

Features

sands, loams, and clays.

Texas grama is a tufted, 6- to 20-

where found

inch perennial, warm season, native

Texas grama can be found growing

grass. It has few erect stems with dark

on dry plains, rocky hills, and abused,

nodes. Leaves are short and crowded

overgrazed ranges. This is a weedy

at the base and often are wavy or

species and a sign of disturbance.

curling when mature. Six to eight

distribution

wooly, bell-shaped branches with

It occurs in all areas of Texas except

spikelets are attached to each wavy

northeastern Area 1.

seedhead, frequently on one side of the stem. This grass looks much like a

Growing Season

toothbrush. Also known as bell grama

Bloom time starts in April and pro-

and mesquitegrass.

duces seeds from May through November.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Texas grama provides poor forage for livestock and wildlife. It has a weak root system and develops little herbage. other uses

Texas grama provides seeds and forage for birds and small mammals. Parts of this grass are used for denning and nesting material. This short, attractive perennial has eye-catching flowering seedheads. When caught in the sun they glisten and shimmer in the breeze.

red grama

57

Bouteloua trifida distribution

Red grama is found throughout the state except Texas Areas 1 and 4.

Features Red grama is a 5- to 16-inch peren-

Growing Season

nial, warm season, native, and

Bloom time starts in March and

densely tufted bunchgrass. It grows

produces seed from April through

erect or prostrate from tillers. The

November.

slim blades and stems have three to seven reddish comblike branches. The spikelets have three short, rough awns. Also known as threeawn grama.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

This grass provides poor grazing for both cattle and wildlife. other uses

Red grama provides seed and forage for birds and small mammals. Parts of this grass are used for denning and nesting material. It is considered a good soil binder in many areas of western Texas.

Habitat soils

Red grama prefers gravelly soil with poor moisture conditions. where found

It is found on rocky sites on upland hills and ridges.

  buffalograss  

Buchloë dactyloides



59

are eaten by some birds. It is also the larval host plant of the zabulon skipper butterfly larva. It is frequently

Features

se­lected as a lawn and landscape

Buffalograss is a 3- to 12-inch pe-

turf for native plantings. This grass

rennial, warm season, sod-forming

requires low maintenance and little

grass. This native shortgrass grows

mowing. It is very drought, heat, and

in small, low tufts or patches. Male

extreme-cold tolerant when estab-

and female plants grow in separate

lished.

colonies. The female plants produce seeds in small hard burs that are

Habitat

found among the leaves. The male

soils

plants inflorescences are above the

Buffalograss prefers medium- to

basal leaves on slender 3- to 10-inch

fine-textured soils and grows in well-

erect stems that usually have one to

drained loam, sands, and clays.

four comblike branches. Buffalograss

where found

is often found growing with blue

It can be found growing on shortgrass

grama. It turns a golden brown when

prairies and plains in exposed, well-

dormant. Because of its similar habit,

drained areas. Buffalograss thrives

it is often confused with common

in direct sun, but is less adapted to

curly-mesquite.

shade. distribution

Uses

Buffalograss occurs in all regions of

e c o n o m i c va l u e

Texas, but is most frequent in the

Buffalograss provides good grazing

central and north-central part of the

for cattle and is readily consumed

state.

except when dormant during dry periods. It does furnish good winter

Growing Season

grazing. Buffalograss is somewhat

It reproduces by seeds and readily

protected from overgrazing by grow-

spreads by stolons that root at the

ing close to the ground. It provides

culm or stem nodes. Bloom time

only fair grazing for wildlife.

starts in April and sets seeds shortly

other uses

after flowering up to the first frost.

Buffalograss is a good source of nest-

In some regions it produces seed

ing and denning materials. Seeds

throughout the year.

green sprangletop

Leptochloa dubia

61

Grass parts are utilized in denning and nesting material.

Features

Habitat

Green sprangletop is a 12- to 36-inch

soils

perennial, warm season, native,

Grows in well-drained sands, loams,

tufted bunchgrass. This grass has flat

clays, and other loose soils.

stem bases and flat sheaths. Stems

where found

are wiry with slightly rough leaves.

Green sprangletop can be found

The large, green sprangled inflores-

growing on rocky hills and canyons.

cence is a panicle composed of five

distribution

to sixteen spicate branches, often in

This fast-growing grass can be found

pairs or threes that droop and turn

in Texas Areas 2 and 4–10.

pale at maturity. Spikelets overlap on short pedicels and are four- to

Growing Season

eight-flowered. Also known as Texas

Green sprangletop reproduces by

crowfoot.

seeds and tillers. Bloom time starts in May and continues through No-

Uses

vember, producing seed from June

e c o n o m i c va l u e

through November.

Green sprangletop provides good grazing for cattle and fair grazing for wildlife. Because of its fast germination and growth ability, it is most frequently used as a fast cover prior to emergence of other species of slower growing grass. A very palatable grass, it is a good grass to include in native grass mixtures when seeding overused ranges. other uses

Green sprangletop is very droughtand cold-tolerant grass that provides a good quantity of seed for several species of sparrows and finches.

dallisgrass    

Paspalum dilatatum



63

Habitat soils

Dallisgrass grows most abundantly

Features

in rich bottomland pastures that are

Dallisgrass is a perennial, warm sea-

properly managed.

son, introduced species. This 12- to

where found

48-inch bunchgrass grows erect or

Grown as a pasture grass, dallisgrass

widely spreading with short, knot-

is also found in low-lying areas, dry

ted rhizomes. Culms are kneelike at

prairies, waste places, and disturbed

the base. Nodes usually are dark and

sites. Dallisgrass becomes a weedy

swollen. Long, extended, nodding

species and readily invades turfgrass

panicles have three to five spicate

lawns throughout Texas. After mow-

branches with long hairs at the axils.

ing, dallisgrass grows much faster

Spikelets are in pairs on short pedi-

than turfgrass, significantly increas-

cels and look like four rows of seed.

ing mowing requirements.

Seeds are covered with fine, silky

distribution

hairs that resemble tomato seeds.

This grass grows throughout Texas.

Also called paspalumgrass.

Growing Season Uses

Dallisgrass initiates growth in March

e c o n o m i c va l u e

to April with seeds setting in April

Dallisgrass provides good grazing for

through November.

cattle and fair forage for wildlife. A fungus infection found in the dallisgrass inflorescence may lead to toxicity in cattle and horses. other uses

It is a host plant to neamathla skipper and Julia’s skipper butterfly larvae. It is also a key seed-producing grass for quail.

  longtom  

65

Paspalum lividum



where found

Longtom is found near lakes and marshes, in ditches, streams, and

Features

muddy coastal flats.

Longtom is a warm season, native,

distribution

12- to 40-inch perennial. Its smooth

Longtom is found predominantly in

stems curve upward from a stolonif-

eastern Texas Area 1, and in Areas 2

erous base. The culms are flattened

and 6. While not normally found in

with many nodes. Its leaf blades are

the Hill Country, longtom may be en-

3 inches long and up to º inch wide.

countered as an escapee in the south-

Its inflorescence is a panicle of three

ern and eastern parts of this region.

to seven short, spicate branches, often becoming dark purple. Spikelets

Growing Season

develop in four rows on one side of

Longtom reproduces from seeds, til-

the branch. Also called pull-and-be-

lers, and stolons and flowers in late

damned.

summer and fall.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Longtom is good forage for cattle, but only fair forage for wildlife. other uses

This and other Paspalums are larval hosts to clouded skipper and Celia’s roadside skipper butterflies. It is a key seed-producing grass for quail.

Habitat soils

Longtom grows in abundance in wet, but not flooded soils. It is moderately tolerant of salt.

hairyseed paspalum   

Paspalum pubiflorum



67

and in canyons, open ground, and



low woods. It is infrequently found

Features

­areas.

Hairyseed paspalum is a native, warm

distribution

season, 16- to 32-inch perennial

Hairyseed paspalum is found

bunchgrass. Plants are erect or widely

throughout Texas, except the High

spreading with culms often decum-

Plains (Texas Area 9).

growing in low, partially shaded

bent and rooting at lower nodes. The inflorescence is a long, extended, nod-

Growing Season

ding panicle with two to five spicate

Hairyseed paspalum reproduces from

branches with two or four parallel

tillers and seeds. It flowers from April

rows of spikelets. It has pubescent

through November.

spikelets with glabrous or shorthaired elliptically pointed seeds. Also called hairy-flowered paspalum.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Hairyseed paspalum is palatable to cattle. Its forage value is dependent on abundance and available plant mass. It is drought resistant. other uses

Hairyseed paspalum makes a fair cover and forage for wildlife. It is a key seed-producing grass for quail.

Habitat soils

Hairyseed paspalum grows in moist alkaline or clay soils. where found

Hairyseed paspalum is found in moist habitats along creeks, near springs,

vaseygrass

69

Paspalum urvillei

Habitat soils

This species grows in a variety of

Features

moist soils, from sands to clay.

Vaseygrass is a perennial, warm sea-

where found

son, introduced bunchgrass. This

Vaseygrass grows along lakes,

coarse grass has mostly stiffly erect,

ditches, and other low, moist areas.

40- to 80-inch stems. It usually grows

distribution

in large leafy clumps. The base of the

This grass can be found in Texas

plant is hard. The lower sheaths are

Areas 1–5 and 7.

purplish and covered in long, stiff hair that is irritating to the skin. Blades are

Growing Season

long and coarse from ¿ to ¬ inches

This grass sets seed from May to

wide. The inflorescence is a panicle

November.

with usually eight to thirty closely placed, erect spicate branches that are 2 to 4 inches long. Spikelets are closely spaced and overlapping and in four rows. Also called Urville’s paspalum.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

This fibrous weedy grass is only fair forage for cattle and wildlife. other uses

This rather large and leafy grass is good cover for birds and small wildlife. It is a key seed-producing grass for quail.

water   bentgrass 

Polypogon viridis



71

Habitat soils

Water bentgrass prefers loose, sandy,

Features

and slightly acid soils.

Water bentgrass is a tufted perennial

where found

with 4- to 28-inch culms that are usu-

Water bentgrass is found in moist

ally decumbent at the base. It often

ground along irrigation ditches,

has long creeping and rooting stolons.

streams, and in canyons and near

Leaf blades are short and broad. It has

ponds.

a contracted, densely flowered 1- to

distribution

4-inch panicle with short, dense ver-

This grass can be found in Texas

ticillate branches. Water bentgrass is

Areas 4–8 and 10.

easily recognized by its densely flowered panicles. Also called skunktail.

Growing Season Water bentgrass reproduces from

Uses

seeds and rooting stolons, produc-

e c o n o m i c va l u e

ing flowers from April through July,

Water bentgrass has good forage

sometimes to November.

value for cattle. This grass decreases with grazing. Other bentgrass species such as redtop, Agrostis gigantea, are used successfully as cultivated forage grass. other uses

Some species of bentgrass are also used as turf for golf course greens.

hooded windmillgrass

Chloris cucullata where found

This grass can be found growing in upland pastures, lawns, parks, dis-

Features

turbed habitats, and along roads.

Hooded windmill grass is a 12- to 18-

distribution

inch perennial, warm season, native

Hooded windmill grass occurs

bunchgrass. This tufted, erect grass

throughout Texas, except eastern

has flat, bluish green vertical stems

Texas Areas 1 and 3.

and sheaths. It sometimes has short stolons. The characteristic windmill-

Growing Season

like inflorescence has purplish spikes

Bloom times start in May and pro-

that turn straw-yellow or black when

duces seed from August through

ripe, fading to sandy, but retaining

September.

their structure in winter. Also known as hooded fingergrass.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Hooded windmill grass is fairly good grazing for cattle and wildlife. other uses

This grass also provides nesting and denning material. Seeds are eaten by a variety of birds and small mammals.

Habitat soils

Hooded windmill grass grows well in acid to neutral soils of a variety of sands and sandy loams.

73

shortspike windmillgrass

Chloris subdolichostachya

75

where found

It is found in disturbed sites, vacant lots, roadsides, and pastures.

Features

distribution

Shortspike windmillgrass is a native,

Shortspike windmillgrass is found in

warm season perennial. It closely

Texas Areas 2–7. It is very abundant

resembles tumble windmillgrass. It is

in the southeast part of the state.

very stoloniferous with 12- to 28-inch stems and 4- to 12-inch leaf blades

Growing Season

that are crowded toward the plant

This grass flowers from May through

base. The inflorescence is a panicle

October. It reproduces by seeds and

of five to eleven verticil-like branches

tillers.

that are closely grouped on the main axis. This species is apparently a hybrid between hooded windmillgrass and tumble windmillgrass. This cross gives many of the characteristics of each of these parent plants to this species. Also called Nash windmillgrass.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

This windmillgrass provides only poor to fair grazing for cattle and wildlife.

Habitat soils

Shortspike windmillgrass grows in dry sand and clay.

    crabgrass  hairy

Digitaria sanguinalis



77

other uses

The seeds of this weedy grass are



eaten readily by a variety of birds.

Features

Geese are sometimes used to graze

Hairy crabgrass is a 15- to 24-inch,

crabgrass out of cultivated crops.

warm season, introduced, annual bunchgrass. This weedy, shallow-

Habitat

rooted grass has weak upward bend-

soils

ing or spreading stems that branch

This crabgrass is found in soils of poor

at the base and nodes and root at the

condition.

lower nodes. Sheaths are downy with

where found

swollen base hairs. The leaf blades

Hairy crabgrass is a weedy species

are

3/16

to

7/16

inch broad and are usu-

found on abused native ranges, pas-

ally hairy on both surfaces. The 2- to

tures, roadsides, field borders, lawns,

6-inch panicle usually has four to nine

and gardens.

spicate branches. These are radially

distribution

arranged at the stem tip and in one or

Hairy crabgrass can be found

two whorls below. The spikelets are

throughout Texas.

¿ inch long. The Latin name Digitaria refers to the fingerlike seedheads

Growing Season

that are common to this type of grass.

Hairy crabgrass reproduces by seeds

Also called southern crabgrass, large

and tillers. Seeds are produced from

crabgrass, and broad crabgrass.

June through November.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

While this is usually a troublesome weed, it is very palatable to cattle, and if moisture is ideal, it will produce a very heavy growth of green forage in late summer. Sometimes it is even cut for hay. Production varies greatly with yearly climatic conditions.

bushy bluestem

Andropogon glomeratus

79

where found

Bushy bluestem is usually present in low, moist sites and many see it

Features

as an indicator of an underground

Bushy bluestem is a 36- to 48-inch

water source. It likes to grow near

native, perennial, warm season

water with occasionally or regularly

bunchgrass. This grass grows in 24-

wet feet. It is most prolific from seeds

to 48-inch-wide clumps. It is easily

along shorelines.

recognized by the dense, broomlike,

distribution

tufted inflorescences on the up-

Bushy bluestem can be found scat-

permost branches. Stout stems turn

tered throughout most of Texas Areas

a stunning bronze color in the late

1–10.

fall and winter. Also known as bushy beardgrass.

Growing Season Plants flower mostly from September

Uses

to November, but in areas near the

e c o n o m i c va l u e

Texas Gulf Coast will produce seed

Bushy bluestem is a poor forage grass

throughout the year.

for both cattle and wildlife. other uses

This grass provides good cover for many species of wild birds and animals. It is also used for nesting and denning materials and is host plant to select species of eastern skipper butterflies. This is a very attractive grass and is at its best in the fall with its large bronze plumes. It can tolerate poor drainage.

Habitat soils

Bushy bluestem grows in sand, sandy loam, or even fairly sterile soil.

giantreed      

81

Arundo donax



on riparian corridors, inhibiting the growth of other plant species and as a biological pollutant of river estuaries

Features

and beaches.

Giantreed is a perennial, warm season, introduced reedlike species with

Habitat

thick, knotty rhizomes and very tall,

soils

stout stems with rounded sheaths.

Arundo donax is well adapted to a

Long, drooping, 2- to 3-inch-wide,

wide variety of soil conditions, from

flat leaves are uniformly spaced al-

heavy clays to loose sands and grav-

ternately in two rows along the stem.

elly soils.

The inflorescence is a densely con-

where found

tracted panicle 12 to 24 inches long.

Giantreed is commonly seen in

Giantreed is a rather unmistakable

ditches, and along roadsides and

grass, growing from six to twenty feet

waterways.

tall in Texas.

distribution

Giantreed is found throughout Texas

Uses

except the Pineywoods (Texas Area 1),

e c o n o m i c va l u e

originally established by plantings for

Giantreed is poor forage grass for

stabilization along culverts, railroad

cattle and wildlife. Reeds for wood-

cuts, and ditches.

wind instruments and industrial cellulose and rayon are commercially

Growing Season

manufactured from the stems. Plants

Giantreed does not produce fertile

are best used for retarding wind and

seed. It grows in thick colonies, ex-

water erosion.

tensively spreading from rhizomes,

other uses

and is most difficult to remove, be-

Because of its dense, spreading mass,

coming a pest. It produces flowers

giantreed provides good cover for

from September through November.

birds and small mammals. Stems are used for lattices, screens, mats, and in construction of adobe hut. It is often used as an ornamental. If kept cut, the stems will branch, forming a hedge. The spread of giantreed, however, often has a detrimental effect

cane bluestem

Bothriochloa barbinodis

83

tive grass for landscaping as an accent plant or in an area with wildflowers.

Features

Habitat

Cane bluestem is a coarse 24- to 48-

soils

inch perennial, warm season, native

Cane bluestem grows in various loose

bunchgrass. The 10- to 12-inch leaves

loam soils but seems to thrive best in

are usually hairless. Stem nodes are

lime-based material.

bearded. The inflorescence branches

where found

on this grass are almost as long as

This grass can be found in dry, sandy,

the seedhead, which is a narrow,

gravelly, or rocky sites, open areas,

contracted 3- to 5-inch panicle. The

and grasslands.

main axis gives rise to many ascend-

distribution

ing branches that loosely spread at

Cane bluestem is found in Texas Ar-

the tips. The basal panicle branches

eas 2 and 5–10.

may characteristically branch again. Because of its structure, this large

Growing Season

bunchgrass is sometimes mistaken

Cane bluestem blooms throughout

for other bluestems, especially silver

the year in good conditions and sets

bluestem. Also called cane beardgrass

seed from May until October.

and bristlejoint bluestem.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Cane bluestem is an indicator of range in good condition. It is palatable during the spring and summer, providing fair grazing for cattle before it becomes mature. It is eaten readily by wildlife. other uses

Only the leaves in late season are eaten by wildlife. Parts of this grass are also used as nesting and denning material. Seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals. This is a very attrac-

king ranch bluestem

Bothriochloa ischaemum var. songarica

85

Habitat soils

This bluestem prefers a medium fine-

Features

textured soil but grows in sand in

King Ranch bluestem is an introduced

some areas.

18- to 48-inch, perennial, warm sea-

where found

son, and leafy bunchgrass. The stems

King Ranch bluestem was planted

are freely branching and grow out-

along Texas roads to stabilize soils.

ward from the base and up, forming

It is found along highways, in pas-

a dish-shaped bunch. Long silky hair

tures, and is common in central Texas

grows on the upper side of the blades.

rangelands, parks, and preserves.

The stems are mostly naked at the top

distribution

and produce a loose terminal panicle

This grass can be found as a very

inflorescence. Spikelets have slender,

common weedy species throughout

twisted, and bent awns. Also known

most of Texas. It is less common in

in shortened version as KR bluestem.

Texas Areas 1 and 8–10.

Uses

Growing Season

e c o n o m i c va l u e

King Ranch bluestem flowers

Early growth is utilized by cattle and

throughout most of the year under

wildlife. It is also used for pastures

favorable conditions and forms seed-

and hay and is valued for its seed

heads as early as June.

crop. In Texas, King Ranch bluestem has become one of the state’s most undesirable weedy grass species. In some counties it has become the most prevalent grass. other uses

This bluestem provides seed and forage for birds and small mammals. Parts of this grass are used for denning and nesting material. It has been used for quick soil stabilization along highways, gullies, and waterways throughout Texas.

silver     bluestem 

Bothriochloa laguroides ssp. torreyana



87

This grass increases in beauty as the seed heads develop their silver, cottony color and catch the sunlight as

Features

they sway in the wind.

Silver bluestem is an 18- to 42-inch, native, warm season, perennial

Habitat

bunchgrass. This grass can be dis-

soils

tinguished by its prominent, fluffy-

This species prefers dry sites and

flowered inflorescence that is silver

grows best in well-draining sand or

in color. It usually grows from tillers

clay.

with no rhizomes. Semiprostrate stem

where found

bases become ascending, usually

It is found on prairies, roadsides,

without a conspicuous basal cluster of

waste areas, and rocky slopes, espe-

leaves. Leafy, bent stems are smooth

cially in limestone areas in abundance

with white nodes. The seedhead is

when growing conditions are poor.

a densely contracted, 4- to 8-inch,

Silver bluestem is shade tolerant, but

beardlike panicle with short-awned

likes full sun and well-drained, moist

spikelets. Also known as silver beard-

soils where it tolerates occasional

grass.

flooding. Silver bluestem will spread quickly in disturbed or overgrazed

Uses

areas. It is replaced by other grasses

e c o n o m i c va l u e

as growing conditions improve.

This grass is rated only fair for cattle

distribution

and poor for wildlife grazing, reestab-

Silver bluestem can be found

lishing after periods of overgrazing

throughout Texas, but less commonly

and drought. It is usually grazed only

in the eastern or coastal areas.

in its early growth stage. other uses

Growing Season

Silver bluestem provides seed and

Reproducing from seeds and tillers,

forage for birds and small mammals.

its bloom and seed time is from May

Warblers and other migratory birds

through November.

perch on these seedheads and pick out seeds. Parts of this grass are used for denning and nesting material. American Indians were recorded to have used the stems as toothpicks.

common sandbur

Cenchrus spinifex

89

other uses

This is a common weed of lawns and pastures and is often an indicator of

Features

poor soil fertility and disturbance. Its

Common sandbur is a perennial

seeds have an attraction for bare feet

4- to 30-inch, warm season, loosely

and are often quite a painful nuisance.

tufted, erect native grass. Stems are branched and often abruptly bent

Habitat

near the base. Late in the season,

soils

lower foliage becomes straw colored

Sandbur prefers sandy or gravelly

and stems turn reddish or maroon at

sites.

maturity. Leaf blades are flat, some-

where found

times folded. Upper surfaces of blade

This weedy grass is found in waste

bases are rough and often sparsely

areas, cultivated fields, roadsides,

covered with long, soft hairs. The

and lawns.

main flowering axis is wavy. Spikelets

distribution

are enclosed by fused, spiny bracts

Sandbur is a pesky weed found

that form a bur. Upper leaves some-

throughout Texas.

times partially enclose the lower burs. Stems with burs can persist through

Growing Season

winter. Dispersed burs can remain on

Sandbur reproduces by seeds from

or near the soil surface through the

the burs dispersed in the fur of animal

following summer.

carriers. It flowers from May through November.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Plants provide poor forage for cattle before burs develop. However, bur spines are stiff and can injure the eyes, noses, and mouths of animals and the hands and feet of people working in infested areas. It is a contaminant of wool and mohair. Its value for wildlife is poor.

texas cupgrass

Eriochloa sericea

91

Habitat soils Texas cupgrass grows in well-drained

Features

sands, loams, and clays.

Texas cupgrass is 36- to 48-inch pe-

where found

rennial, warm season, native bunch-

Texas cupgrass can be found growing

grass. Stems grow in large tufts and

on hills, ridges, prairies, grassy open-

have a feel similar to a lead pencil at

ings, and scrub woodlands mostly in

the base. The blades are soft and lax.

protected areas.

The ligule is a dense ring of straight

distribution

hairs. The pale-colored seedheads

Texas cupgrass occurs in Texas Areas

have single fuzzy spikelets in rows,

2 and 4–8.

borne on very short, hairy branches. Each seed looks like it is sitting in

Growing Season

a small cup, having a ringlike base.

Texas cupgrass reproduces by seeds

When they fall, they leave a charac-

and tillers. Bloom time starts in

teristic fuzzy zigzag seedhead axis.

March and continues through August,

Also called silky cupgrass.

producing seeds from April through November.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Texas cupgrass provides fair forage for wildlife and good grazing for cattle and decreases with heavy grazing. It will increase with proper use. It remains green during winter on properly stocked ranges. other uses

This large grass can provide good cover protection for many species of wildlife. Grass parts are used for denning and nesting material by small mammals and birds.

hairy erioneuron

Erioneuron pilosum

93

It grows in dry plains and rocky hillsides, prairies, open rangelands, and pastures. It is frequently found in

Features

right of ways, and on other disturbed

Hairy erioneuron is a native, warm

areas.

season perennial. Low and tufted, it

distribution

has erect, 4- to 12-inch culms with

Hairy erioneuron is found in Texas

midribbed leaves with white margins.

Areas 2 and 4–10. It is abundant in

Normally, only one node is showing

the Trans-Pecos area and the Edwards

above the basal leaf cluster. The in-

Plateau.

florescence appears as a 1- to 2-inch panicle or raceme. This seedhead is

Growing Season

contracted with four to twelve large,

Hairy erioneuron flowers from April

pale spikelets. On close inspection the

to October. It reproduces by seeds

small spikelets are very hairy. Also

and tillers. Plants set seeds mostly

called hairy tridens and woollygrass.

from April to July, but occasionally to October.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Hairy erioneuron is poor in forage value for cattle and wildlife. other uses

This grass is a larval food source for a variety of insects. This is an attractive short-tufted perennial. It can be very pretty in gardens when the seedheads ripen and the flowerheads appear fluffy.

Habitat soils

Hairy erioneuron is found in welldrained limestone and caliche. where found

Hairy erioneuron is widespread in rocky desert or near-desert habitats.

    lindheimer muhly 

Muhlenbergia lindheimeri

95



muhly makes an elegant landscaping



species with attractive blue-green leaves that is usable as screening or

Features

as an accent. It can be used as a soft-

Lindheimer muhly is a warm season,

textured substitute for pampas grass.

perennial, bunchgrass native. This

The extensive root system is excellent

large, impressive grass has many

for soil stabilization.

stiffly erect culms and arching, blue green foliage to three feet tall. Leaf

Habitat

blades are folded at the tip becom-

soils

ing involute when dry. This strongly

Lindheimer muhly thrives in moist,

cespitose grass produces a halo of

but well-drained sand, loam, heavy

feathery inflorescence of 8- to 16-inch

clay, and limestone soils.

loosely contracted panicles that are

where found

borne on stalks that may extend to six

Lindheimer muhly is present on up-

feet at maturity in the fall. Also called

land outcrops, often close by small

big muhly.

streams. It inhabits canyons, open areas, and rocky, usually limestone

Uses

slopes with full sun to light shade.

e c o n o m i c va l u e

distribution

Many species of Muhlenbergia provide

This species is endemic to the Ed-

forage in this region. Lindheimer

wards Plateau, naturally occurring in

muhly provides fair forage for cattle

parts of Texas Areas 4–7.

and other livestock. Because of its wiry leaves, however, it is grazed

Growing Season

sparingly when more palatable plants

The blooming period for Lindheimer

are available but eaten more readily

muhly is in the fall from September

as palatable species become scarce.

through December. The flowers are

This grass increases with grazing

first pink-tinted then fade to tan. The

pressure.

foliage persists through the winter.

other uses

Deer tend to leave this grass except in times of drought. This is a good forage grass for wildlife. Birds eat the mature seeds. Parts are used for nesting and denning material. Lindheimer

vine     mesquite 

Panicum obtusum



97

inflorescence first and then graze green as well as cured plants. other uses

Features

Due to its dense stand characteristics,

Vine mesquite is a warm season, 8- to

vine mesquite provides hiding cover

24-inch, native perennial that pro-

for various rodents and upland game

duces rhizomes and stolons. The erect

birds. The seed is important in the di-

stems have glabrous nodes and form

ets of small mammals, bobwhite quail

from a knotty base. The rhizomes

and mourning doves. The grass is con-

are short and fibrous, but the stolons

sumed by deer, rabbits, ground squir-

can be several feet in length and have

rels, and prairie dogs. It also provides

many rooting points at their swollen,

effective erosion control.

densely hairy nodes. Leaf blades are elongate, flat, or involute and light

Habitat

bluish green. The inflorescence is an

soils

often nodding, densely flowered, and

Vine mesquite establishes readily on

contracted panicle up to 6 inches in

silt and clay soils but only fair in sand.

length. The short, appressed primary

Once established, stand maintenance

branches are usually unbranched. As

is good.

it matures the roundish seeds turn

where found

brown. This grass may form large colo-

This grass is commonly in the under-

nies or mats. Also called panicgrass,

story of juniper and mesquite com-

grapevine-mesquite, and wiregrass.

munities, in shortgrass prairies and arid grasslands. Found along streams,

Uses

roads, gullies, swales, and ditches, it

e c o n o m i c va l u e

is an indicator of moist microsites in

Vine mesquite is an important forage

arid places.

species for all classes of livestock and a

distribution

variety of wildlife, providing good over-

Vine mesquite occurs throughout

all nutrition. It decreases in response

Texas except in Texas Area 1.

to heavy grazing pressure. When vine mesquite is green and succulent, palat-

Growing Season

ability is rated as good; but as the grass

Vine mesquite reproduces by seeds, til-

matures and cures, it becomes coarse,

lers, rhizomes, and stolons. The plants

and its palatability decreases to fair.

initiate growth as early as April then flow-

In juniper woodlands it is considered

er, setting seeds from May to October.

an “ice cream” species. Cattle seek the

carolina canarygrass     

Phalaris caroliniana

99

Habitat soils

This species seems to thrive in a

Features

variety of soils, especially if in peri-

Carolina canarygrass is an annual,

odically standing water.

cool season, native, tufted bunch-

where found

grass. The 10- to 28-inch tall stems

This tufted grass is especially abun-

are weak and hollow. The leaves are

dant in disturbed soils along road-

hairless with soft, flat blades that

sides, on stream and ditch banks, and

are 2 to 6 inches long and ¿ to Ω

along fencerows.

inch broad. The cylindrical panicle is

distribution

thick, tightly contracted, 1 to 3 inches

Carolina canarygrass grows in all

long and º to Ω inch broad with

Texas Areas.

awnless spikelets. Also called southern canarygrass.

Growing Season These plants set seeds from March to

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

This short-lived grass is of no value for forage. Wild birds consume the seed from the dense seedhead. other uses

Seed-eating birds readily consume the seeds of this grass. Carolina canarygrass is closely related to the canarygrass of commerce that provides an important constituent in commercial birdseed.

June.

knotroot bristlegrass

Setaria parviflora

101

painted bunting. Parts of the grass are used for denning and nesting material. Because of its bristly beauty

Features

this grass has gained popularity in

Knotroot bristlegrass is a 12- to 36-

landscaping and wildflower gardens.

inch, perennial, warm season, and

Its soft texture provides nice visual

native bunchgrass. This grass has

variety among other grasses and

erect, somewhat spreading stems that

wildflowers.

grow from a bent base. The stems arise from knotty underground rhi-

Habitat

zomes. Blades and stem bases often

soils

have a purplish color. Blades are flat

Knotroot bristlegrass grows in sands,

and not twisted. They are pointed at

loams, and clays.

the tip and taper toward the base.

where found

The dense, cylindrical seedhead is

Knotroot bristlegrass grows on open

rounded at the top and colored green,

ground and cultivated soil in moist

yellowish, or purplish. There are

areas like streams, ditches, and bor-

five or more bristles below each egg-

ders of ponds and lakes.

shaped spikelet.

distribution

This grass grows in all Areas of Texas.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Growing Season

Knotroot bristlegrass provides fair

Reproducing from seeds, tillers,

grazing for both cattle and wildlife.

and rhizomes, knotroot bristlegrass

other uses

blooms and produces seed year

It provides seed and forage for small

round.

mammals and birds, especially

plains bristlegrass

Setaria leucopila

103

dry open sites under the protection of brush in overgrazed pastures. distribution

Features

This grass grows in Texas Areas 2, 5,

Plains bristlegrass is a 12- to 48-

and 7–10.

inch, perennial, warm season, native bunchgrass. This grass has pale

Growing Season

green, flattened culms branching at

Reproducing from seeds and tillers,

the base and lower joints. The 4- to

blooming starts in April or May and

13-inch leaf blades are often rough on

can continue when there is available

the back and folded. The bristly pan-

moisture. Seeds are produced from

icle is slim, cylindrical, and narrowed

June through November.

at the top. Usually, only one bristle grows below each spikelet.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Plains bristlegrass provides good grazing for cattle and only fair for wildlife. This is a good grass to include in a seeding mixture after root plowing for brush control. other uses

This grass provides an abundant amount of seeds for a variety of birds to eat. Parts of this grass are used for denning and nesting material.

Habitat soils

It grows in sand, loam, and clay soils. where found

Plains bristlegrass can be found growing in dry grasslands, shrublands, and

reverchon bristlegrass     

Setaria reverchonii

105

where found

Reverchon bristlegrass is found in sandy prairies and limestone hill

Features

habitats.

Reverchon bristlegrass is a native,

distribution

warm season, tufted perennial. It

Reverchon bristlegrass is distributed

grows with stiffly erect, 12- to 28-

throughout most of the state, except

inch culms from a hard, somewhat

the Pineywoods and Blackland Prai-

rhizomatous base. Its inflorescence

ries (Texas Areas 1 and 4). It is most

is a narrow, contracted 2- to 8-inch

common on the Edwards Plateau.

panicle with short spikelets. Bristles subtend terminal spikelets on the

Growing Season

main axis and each branch. One to

Reverchon bristlegrass flowers from

four spikelets are on each branch

March through June, sometimes year-

with bristles frequently exceeding the

round.

spikelet in length.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Reverchon bristlegrass provides fair forage for cattle and wildlife where abundant. other uses

Seeds of this bristlegrass are used by birds and small mammals for food. Some parts of the grass plant are used for denning and nesting materials.

Habitat soils

Reverchon bristlegrass grows in welldrained, rocky, or calcareous soils and sand.

southwestern bristlegrass

Setaria scheelei

107

where found

Southwestern bristlegrass is shade tolerant. It is frequently abundant

Features

under trees, in shady canyons, open

Southwestern bristlegrass is a native,

woodlands, and in rocky woods.

warm season perennial. It can grow

distribution

to a height of 36 inches with stems

Southwestern bristlegrass occurs in

branching from the base and nodes.

southern parts of Texas Areas 2, 4,

Small hairs can be seen below the

and 6–10.

nodes on the stem. The flat or folded 3- to 14-inch leaves are 1/16 to ¡ inch

Growing Season

wide with prominent midveins. The

Southwestern bristlegrass begins

inflorescence is a rather loose 6- to

growth in early spring and may flower

8-inch panicle growing in a taper-

more than once a year depending on

ing pyramid with numerous bristles.

available moisture. It flowers from

Visually similar to plains bristlegrass,

May through November.

there is a bristle below each seed, but only one. The panicle axis may be visible along most of its length. Sometimes called foxtail and Scheele’s bristlegrass.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Southwestern bristlegrass has good forage value for cattle and fair value for wildlife. other uses

It makes excellent dried ornamentation in flower arrangements.

Habitat soils

Southwestern bristlegrass is found in well-drained sandy to sandy-loam soils.

green     bristlegrass 

Setaria viridis



109

Uses



e c o n o m i c va l u e

This very common plant, listed as

Features

a noxious weed by the federal gov-

Green bristlegrass is an introduced,

ernment, is known by one or more

warm season annual that forms weak,

common names in different places.

spreading clumps, 6 to 36 inches

It provides fair forage value for cattle

tall. Its roots are shallow and fibrous.

only when young.

Mostly glabrous culms are simple or

other uses

branched at the base and ascending

Birds will eat the seeds of green

to erect. The flattened, lanceolate

bristlegrass, providing a valuable

leaf blades are usually less than 6

food source for numerous species.

inches long, and º to ¡ inch wide and slightly scabrous on both sur-

Habitat

faces. The ligule is a very short, dense

soils

fringe of hairs. The inflorescence is

Plants require well-drained sand, loam,

a dense, somewhat nodding panicle

and clay soil. It requires somewhat

that is cylindrical but slightly tapering

moist soil but can tolerate drought.

at the apex. It is usually less than 4

where found

inches long and about º inch thick,

This common weed is one of the first

ex­cluding the bristles. It is densely

plants to appear in disturbed areas,

green- or purple-flowered. The axis

often becoming a nuisance in culti-

is densely villous with

1/32-inch

hairs

vated fields. It is found in waste areas,

and with very short branches bearing

cultivated ground, roadsides, and

mostly five to six spikelets obscuring

lawns as well as protected habitats on

the main axis. At the base of each

slopes, canyons, and in barren spots

spikelet one to four tawny or purplish

in woody openings. It does not grow

bristles arise that are three to four

well in shade.

times longer than the spikelets. The

distribution

many spikelets and bristles obscure

Green bristlegrass grows as a weed

the panicle axis. Also known as green

throughout Texas, except parts of

foxtail grass, bottlegrass, pigeongrass,

Texas Areas 1–3.

and wild millet.

Growing Season Green bristlegrass reproduces only by seeds, flowering from June to November.

yellow     indiangrass 

Sorghastrum nutans



111

other uses

Yellow indiangrass is a heavy producer of seeds that are consumed by

Features

a variety of birds and small mammals.

Yellow indiangrass is one of the most

It is a larval food for butterflies. Parts

important native tall grasses. It is a

of the grass are also used for denning

36- to 96-inch perennial, warm sea-

and nesting material. This robust

son, native bunchgrass. Long, wide

grass is very drought and cold toler-

leaf blades have long erect auricles

ant and frequently used for erosion

that look like rabbit ears. The plants

control. This attractive grass has also

produce beautiful heavy, golden

gained popularity for landscaping. It

plumelike seedheads. The panicle

is a striking accent plant or in a prai-

is 8 to 12 inches long and bronze to

rie landscape. It does well in naturally

yellowish. Spikelets have Ω-inch

moist areas.

awns, bent once and closely twisted to the bend. The inflorescence turns

Habitat

a tawny brown, and later takes on

soils

a gray coloration. Indiangrass can

Yellow indiangrass grows in fertile,

occur in bunches or as single stems

moist, sand and clay soils.

mixed with other grasses, especially

where found

big bluestem and switchgrass. Yellow

Yellow indiangrass can be found

indiangrass is one of the “big four”

growing on bottomlands, tallgrass

grasses of the American tallgrass prai-

prairies, and savannahs. It also does

rie. Also known as indianreed.

well on steep terrain and open woods, in deep, moist soils. This grass is

Uses

fairly tolerant to drought conditions,

e c o n o m i c va l u e

enabling it to spread into disturbed

Yellow indiangrass is very nutritious

areas.

and readily consumed by cattle,

distribution

providing good grazing yet only fair

Yellow indiangrass grows in all Areas

forage for wildlife. It decreases with

of Texas.

heavy grazing but produces high yields when managed in a pure stand.

Growing Season

This grass is only moderately palat-

This plant reproduces from seeds and

able when mature.

short rhizomes. Bloom time starts in mid-spring and seed production is from September through November.

tall     dropseed 

Sporobolus compositus var. compositus



113

Habitat soils

Tall dropseed grows in medium- to

Features

heavy-textured silty soils, including

Tall dropseed is a 36- to 60-inch,

sands, loams, dry clays, and lime-

perennial, warm season, native

stone.

bunchgrass. Stems are erect and may

where found

be in small clumps. It has a 2- to 12-

Tall dropseed can be found growing

inch contracted panicle inflorescence

in open woodlands, meadows, prai-

with twelve to thirty-five primary

ries, and rocky prairie sites.

branches. Its seeds are larger than

distribution

other dropseed grasses in our area.

Tall dropseed occurs in Texas Areas

Also called flaggrass, rough dropseed,

1–8.

long leaved rushgrass, and rough rushgrass.

Growing Season Tall dropseed reproduces from seeds

Uses

and tillers. Bloom time is late August

e c o n o m i c va l u e

and produces seed from September

Tall dropseed provides fair grazing

through November.

for cattle and good grazing for seedeating mammals. The palatability decreases with maturity. This grass tends to increase in overgrazed bluestem pastures, but is a decreaser in most shortgrass areas. This grass is drought resistant. other uses

Parts of this grass are used for denning and nesting material.

white tridens

Tridens albescens

115

where found

White tridens can be found growing in ditches, swales, and other areas

Features

where there is an abundance of drain-

White tridens is a 12- to 36-inch,

age water.

perennial, warm season, and native

distribution

bunchgrass. It has erect tufted stems

This grass occurs in all regions of the

and a whitish to purplish base. The

state except the Pineywoods (Texas

panicle is dense, greenish or purplish

Area 1).

to white, and narrow with eight- to twelve-flowered spikelets. The inflo-

Growing Season

rescence axis is not clearly visible.

White tridens reproduces from seeds

The seedheads are spikelike panicles

and tillers. Bloom time starts in

with stacked seeds that appear in

March and produces seed from April

V-shaped bracts. The seeds are gener-

through November.

ally white with a purplish to reddish tinge. It often has a sour odor.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

White tridens provides fair grazing for both cattle and wildlife. other uses

White tridens provides seed for a variety of birds to eat. Parts of this grass are used for denning and nesting material. This attractive grass has gained its place in landscaping because of its eye-catching spikelets. It is most attractive interspersed with other grasses and wildflowers.

Habitat soils

White tridens grows in clay and clayloam soil where water can collect.

slim     tridens 

Tridens muticus var. muticus



117

where found

Slim tridens can be found growing on dry, open slopes or rocky, open areas.

Features

distribution

Slim tridens is an 8- to 32-inch, warm

This species occurs in all areas of

season, native tufted perennial. It is

Texas except the Pineywoods (Texas

stiffly erect with 3- to 10-inch leaves

Area 1). It occurs more frequently in

that are usually involute and taper

Texas Areas 6, 7, and 10.

to a long point. The inflorescence is a narrow, elongate panicle, 3 to

Growing Season

10 inches long with short, but not

Slim tridens reproduces from seeds

crowded, purple-tinged spikelets. The

and tillers. Flowering may begin as

panicle axis is clearly visible, unlike

early as May but is generally from Au-

white tridens. Slim tridens is easily

gust until November, producing seed

recognized by its slender spikelike

from September through November.

inflorescences.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Slim tridens provides fair grazing for both cattle and wildlife, including deer. This grass is highly drought resistant. other uses

Slim tridens provides fair forage for birds. Parts of this grass are used for denning and nesting material.

Habitat soils

This grass may be found growing in sand, sandy loams, and gravelly clays.

texas signalgrass

Urochloa texana

119

where found

This grass is found in upland prairies, marshes, and plains as a weedy dis-

Features

turbance species.

Texas signalgrass is a native, warm

distribution

season, tufted annual, frequently

Texas signalgrass is possibly native

forming large and erect 16- to 48-inch

only to Texas, where it is found state-

clumps. Leaves are usually pubescent,

wide. Frequent to South Texas, and

three- to eight-inch blades. The base

the Edwards Plateau (Texas Areas 6

of the leaf blade is broad and rounded

and 7).

at the attachment to the sheath. The upper leaf is bent at right angles to

Growing Season

the stem, appearing like a railroad

Texas signalgrass reproduces by seeds

signal arm. The 3- to 7-inch panicles

and flowers from May to November.

produce short, simple, and slightly spreading branches with wavy axes and long hairs. Also known as Texas millet, Texas panic, and Colorado grass.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Texas signalgrass is among the most common weeds in the state; however, it provides fair forage for cattle. other uses

This species’ seeds are eaten by quail and songbirds. It provides fair cover for game and songbirds.

Habitat soils

Texas signalgrass prefers welldrained, slightly acidic soils. It is frequently found in clay, loam, and sandy soil.

oldfield threeawn

Aristida oligantha

121

Habitat soils

Oldfield threeawn is an abundant

Features

weedy species that is most common

Oldfield threeawn is a native, 12- to

in sandy soil, but it is also found in

24-inch, tufted, warm season annual.

clays.

Its ascending, wiry culms are very

where found

branched at the base and nodes. Leaf

It is generally found in the open

blades are 5 to 10 inches long and

in dry, disturbed, and overgrazed

have involute tips. The seedhead is a

upland areas. It gets its name from

few-flowered, purplish, open panicle,

frequently establishing itself in aban-

mostly 2 to 7 inches long. Large,

doned croplands and fields.

widely spaced spikelets develop on

distribution

short pedicels at the branch tips. A

Oldfield threeawn is found in all

most visible characteristic is its large

Texas Areas but is most common in the

spikelets with three equal-length,

central and southern part of the state.

1- to 3-inch spreading awns. It is also called prairie threeawn and few-flow-

Growing Season

ered aristida.

This warm season native flowers from August through November. It repro-

Uses

duces from seeds and completes its

e c o n o m i c va l u e

life cycle in two months.

Oldfield threeawn is a weed that is fairly worthless as a forage grass for wildlife and livestock. Mature seeds of oldfield threeawn are a troublesome nuisance in the wool of sheep and to the eyes of sheep and cattle. other uses

Oldfield threeawn’s redeeming quality is preventing soil erosion on loose soiled, disturbed, and denuded sites. It provides seed and forage for birds and small mammals. Parts of the grass are used for denning and nesting material.

purple threeawn

Aristida purpurea

123

a root matrix for many wildflower species.

Features

Habitat

Purple threeawn is a native, warm

soils

season grass that stands 14 to 30

Its habitat consists of well-drained

inches in height, often in large tufts.

sand, clay, loam, limestone soils,

Slender culms with nodding seed-

coarse-grained or dry gravelly soils.

heads have a purplish color. Roots

where found

are moderately deep. It has a strik-

Purple threeawn is locally abundant

ing characteristic of three long awns

in full sun on open ground. It is found

stemming from a densely tufted seed-

on disturbed sites, roadsides, hill-

head measuring 1 to 3 inches long.

sides, canyons, and basins.

Long hairs at the margin of the leaf

distribution

collar of this plant help to tell it from

Purple threeawn is found throughout

other threeawns. Also called purple

the state except Texas Areas 1 and 2.

needlegrass.

Growing Season Uses

Purple threeawn reproduces by seeds

e c o n o m i c va l u e

and tillers. It produces silky purplish-

Cattle may utilize this plant prior to

brown flowers from April through

the formation of seedheads, but for

October. It may have two flowering

the most part, it has poor economic

periods in April and May as well as

value for both wildlife and cattle.

mid-July through mid-September.

The long awns cause irritation and abscesses in the mouth and nostrils of grazing animals. This grass is a contaminant of wool and mohair. It tends to decrease during long periods of drought. other uses

Skipper butterfly larvae eat purple threeawn for food. Jackrabbits are known to eat the seeds. This lowgrowing prairie grass is good for erosion control on banks and provides

wild oat

125

Avena fatua

Habitat soils

Wild oat grows in a variety of moist

Features

soils.

Wild oat is an annual, cool season,

where found

introduced bunchgrass. This leafy

Wild oat can be found growing in

grass has hollow stems and broad,

disturbed areas of roadsides, ditches,

flat leaves. The stems are hairless and

and other areas of moist soil.

grow 12 to 48 inches tall. The seed-

distribution

ling leaves twist counterclockwise.

This grass grows in central and north-

The inflorescence is a loose panicle

ern Texas Areas 2, 3, and 7–9.

or raceme with usually eight to thirty large, awned spikelets on slender

Growing Season

curved or kinked stalks. Spikelets

Wild oat flowers March to June but

contain two or three seeds, which

seldom produces seed, but when it

have awns that form right angles at

does, it is usually from June to

maturity. Seeds are yellow to black,

August.

narrowly oval, and º to Ω inch long. Surprisingly, the seeds can remain dormant in the soil for as long as ten years.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Wild oat is palatable to cattle but short-lived and seldom abundant enough to provide significant amounts of forage. other uses

Wild oat is a larval host plant for common wood nymph and little glassywing butterflies.

rescuegrass

Bromus catharticus

127

Habitat soils

Rescuegrass grows in just about any

Features

soil.

Rescuegrass is a 12- to 30-inch, an-

where found

nual, cool season, introduced, tufted

It can be found growing in protected

bunchgrass. It grows from seed in

bottomlands and as a weed in ditches,

winter and is one of the first grasses

vacant lots, old fields, and roadsides.

to appear on many sites. The leaf

distribution

blades are often fuzzy. The inflores-

Rescuegrass occurs in all Areas of

cence is an erect or drooping, flat

Texas.

panicle, turning from green to straw yellow when ripe. Spikelets are over-

Growing Season

lapping and form Vs with short, or no

Rescuegrass reproduces from seeds

awns. Also called rescue brome and

and tillers. Bloom time starts in Feb-

Schraders-grass.

ruary or March and produces seed starting as early as March and April.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Rescuegrass is managed as a cool season pasture plant and seeds mature in early spring. It provides a somewhat good grazing for cattle and only fair for wildlife. However, it gets its name because it has come to the rescue of many a rancher following drought or hard winters. other uses

Rescuegrass provides seed and forage for birds and small mammals. Parts of this grass are used for denning and nesting material.

japanese     brome 

Bromus japonicus



129

also provides fair cover for small birds



and mammals.

Features

Habitat

Japanese brome is an introduced,

soils

cool season, 8- to 48-inch annual.

Japanese brome grows on soils of

The shallow rooted plant has weak

various textures and mild acidity, in-

and slender culms that are erect and

cluding sand, silt, and clay. It usually

spread from the base. Leaf sheaths

occurs on mesic sites. Fine-textured

and blades are usually hairy. Roots

soils with good litter cover promote

may be shallow or surprisingly deep

best growth.

for an annual. The inflorescence is

where found

an open, somewhat drooping, 5- to

Japanese brome invades disturbed

8-inch panicle with slender, wavy,

areas. It is found in roadside ditches,

and often-kinked branches. Spikelet

field borders, old prairie dog mounds,

stalks spread from the main axis and

moderately to heavily grazed range-

are curving or erect at maturity. Each

lands, and mixed-grass prairie.

panicle branch bears several flat, of-

distribution

ten hairy or fuzzy spikelets at the end.

Bromus japonicus occurs throughout

Also called wintergrass, cheat, and

the state except the Pineywoods,

Japanese chess.

Texas Area 1.

Uses

Growing Season

e c o n o m i c va l u e

Japanese brome reproduces entirely

Japanese brome is of no significance

from seeds, requiring a moist sub-

as a forage grass. It increases with

strate for germination. A heavy thatch

grazing and other forms of distur-

or litter layer improves germination

bance. It is usually regarded as a nox-

rates by retaining moisture. Plants set

ious weed on rangelands and prairies

seeds from March to May that germi-

because it competes with native pe-

nate in fall. Its seedlings are among

rennials for water and nutrients.

the first grasses to resume growth in

other uses

spring.

Wild turkeys eat Japanese brome seeds. It is an important and palatable fall forage of white-tailed deer and small mammals. Japanese brome

broadleaf woodoats

Chasmanthium latifolium

131

Habitat soils

Broadleaf woodoats grows well in

Features

sand, loam, and clay.

Broadleaf woodoats is a 24- to 48-

where found

inch perennial, warm season, native

It is found in moist woodland soils,

grass that can form thick mats. It is

along streams, ditches, and lake

a bunchgrass that forms rhizomes

borders.

with flaccid foliage topped by droop-

distribution

ing panicles. These branches bear

This grass is found throughout most

large, flattened herringbone-shaped

of Texas except the western Texas

spikelets. This woodoats must grow in

Areas 9 and 10.

shade or it burns and bleaches.

Growing Season Uses

Broadleaf woodoats blooms through-

e c o n o m i c va l u e

out the summer and fall, produc-

Broadleaf woodoats is excellent for-

ing black colored seeds from June

age for wildlife, especially birds and

through October.

mammals. This attractive grass is also used as an ornamental in gardens and even patio containers. other uses

Parts of this grass are used as nesting and denning materials. It is also the larval host plant for several varieties of skipper butterflies, including common roadside skipper. The American Indians sometimes used the seeds for food. It forms a solid mat in landscapes. It is an attractive accent plant in moist, shady areas. Broadleaf woodoats is also frequently used in dried floral arrangements.

lindheimer rosettegrass

Dichanthelium acuminatum var. lindheimeri

133

Habitat soils

Features

This grass is found in heavy, often

Lindheimer rosettegrass is a native,

acidic, wet soils including silty or

cool season, tufted perennial. Elon-

sandy loam with high organic content

gate, 12- to 36-inch autumnal culms

and in calcareous soils.

are ascending or spreading. Vernal

where found

branches produce dense clusters of

Lindheimer rosettegrass is found in

reduced leafy branchlets, some bear-

dry, sandy woodlands, along borders,

ing few-flowered, and nonexcerted

or on open ground.

inflorescences. The pointed, 1 º- to

distribution

3 Ω-inch leaf blades are bright green

Lindheimer rosettegrass is found in

and often conspicuously ciliate on

Texas Areas 1–4 and 7.

the margins near the base and form a basal rosette. The primary inflores-

Growing Season

cence is a small, open, and somewhat

Lindheimer rosettegrass reproduces

narrow 2- to 3-inch panicle. Also

by seeds and tillers. It flowers from

known as Lindheimer dichanthelium

April to June and again in the late

and Lindheimer panicum.

summer and fall from August to October.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Although palatable, Lindheimer rosettegrass is not of significant forage value due to its low abundance. It does not respond well to grazing. other uses

Lindheimer rosettegrass is useful as a soil stabilizer and for restoring degraded areas. It decreases as other species increase.

scribners rosettegrass  

  Dichanthelium oligosanthes var.   scribnerianum

135



Uses



e c o n o m i c va l u e

Features

Scribners rosettegrass is palatable

Scribners rosettegrass is a 6- to 25-

and nutritious, providing fair grazing

inch perennial, cool season, native

for cattle and wildlife during the fall,

grass that grows from a basal rosette

winter, and early spring months. It

of winter leaves. This small bunch-

does not furnish a large plant volume,

grass forms clumps of 1 to 5 inches in

therefore the forage is only fair.

diameter. Stems are smooth to

other uses

harshly hairy, producing ascending

This grass provides seed and forage

leaves. The leaf sheath has fine, paral-

for birds and small mammals. It is a

lel veins that are smooth to hairy.

key seed-producing grass for quail.



Parts of this grass are used for den-

The vernal form of this grass pro­

duces erect, 1-to 5-inch leaf blades that

ning and nesting material.

are rather wide, rounded at the base, and rough on the lower surface. The

Habitat

vernal inflorescence, developed on

soils

elongated, unbranched culms from the

Scribners rosettegrass grows in loam

rosettes, is a much excerted 2- to 3-inch

and clay-loam, but prefers sandy soils.

open panicle that is naked at its base

where found

with a single spikelet on each branch.

Usually found in open prairies,



meadows, brushy sites, and disturbed

The much-branched autumnal

form is usually stiffly spreading or

ground. Scribners rosettegrass can

prostrate with elongated internodes,

also occasionally be found in woods.

having tufts of short appressed

distribution

branches at the nodes. The pointed

This grass occurs in all Areas of Texas.

leaf blades are a reduced basal rosette, often conspicuously ciliate at

Growing Season

the base. The little excerted 1- to

Scribners rosettegrass begins growth

2-inch inflorescence has only one to

in the early fall and remains green

nine spikelets and is often hidden

all winter. Bloom time starts in April

among the leaf blades.

or after a good rain and can produce



seed nearly year-round under good

This grass often grows between

bunches of taller grasses where there is not much vegetation. Also called Scribners panicum and panicgrass.

conditions.

fall     witchgrass 

Digitaria cognata



137

Habitat soils

Fall witchgrass grows in sand or dry,

Features

rocky, or clay soils.

Fall witchgrass is a 12- to 30-inch pe-

where found

rennial, warm season, native bunch-

Fall witchgrass can be found on prai-

grass. It has a hairy, rhizomatous base

ries and plains and wooded pastures.

with a fairly weak root system and

distribution

freely branching stems. The short,

This grass occurs throughout Texas.

rigid, flat blades have white edges with one edge often crinkled. The

Growing Season

inflorescence resembles plains love­

Fall witchgrass reproduces from

grass, but single, fuzzy, pointed-oval

seeds, tillers, and rhizomes. Bloom

seeds are found at the end of the

time starts in May, producing seeds

many short branches. The seedheads

from June through November.

break off when mature and form tumbleweeds. Also called diffuse crabgrass.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Fall witchgrass provides good grazing for cattle and fair grazing for wildlife. other uses

Fall witchgrass provides seed and forage for birds and small mammals. Parts of this grass are used for denning and nesting material.

barnyardgrass      

Echinochloa crusgalli



139

Habitat soils

Barnyardgrass prefers fertile soil.

Features

where found

Barnyardgrass a vigorous growing,

Barnyardgrass is found in disturbed

annual, warm season, introduced

sites, roadsides, field borders, ditches,

grass. This weedy grass grows from

vacant lots, gardens, and waste areas.

12 to 30 inches tall. The stems are

distribution

maroon to dark purplish. The leaf

Barnyardgrass grows in all areas of

blades are flat, shiny, and elongate

Texas.

and º to Ω inches wide. Panicles are often maroon to purplish. Spikelets

Growing Season

are crowded with awns that may be

Barnyardgrass reproduces by seeds

present up to 1 inch long. Stiff scat-

and tillers. It flowers from June

tered hairs are common. The Latin

through September.

name means hedgehog grass because the seeds are covered with bulbous based hairs and resemble a hedgehog. Also called cockspur.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Barnyardgrass has fair forage value when grazed early, but is unpalatable at maturity. It provides poor forage for large game. other uses

Barnyardgrass grain provides considerable food for wild ducks, geese, and other birds. Some American Indian tribes used the seeds as a food source. Barnyardgrass can be used as a quick, temporary erosion control.

mediterranean lovegrass

Eragrostis barrelieri

141

Habitat Mediterranean lovegrass is an introduced weed that inhabits waste

Features

places and fields.

Mediterranean lovegrass is an intro-

soils

duced, warm season annual. Plants

Mediterranean lovegrass will grow in

are tufted with 8- to 22-inch culms

most soil types.

and fibrous roots. Decumbent branch-

where found

es are found at the lower nodes. A

Mediterranean lovegrass escapees are

ring of yellowish glandular tissue

found in vacant lots and other little-

is also found below the nodes. Leaf

maintained sites.

blades are flat and 1 to 2 inches long.

distribution

It produces 2- to 7-inch, erect and

This lovegrass is found throughout

oval open panicles with few greenish

Texas except the Pineywoods (Texas

purple and slightly compressed spike-

Area 1).

lets. Mediterranean lovegrass is one of the most common weedy bunch-

Growing Season

grasses in Texas.

Mediterranean lovegrass flowers as early as April, but mostly from June

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

This lovegrass is considered to be of little forage value for cattle or wildlife. other uses

This grass is a weed, able to grow in most habitats. Its delicate appearance when in flower is attractive in gardens as a soft border. Care must be given, however, to avoid its invading other areas where unwanted.

through November.

stinkgrass

Eragrostis cilianensis

143

Habitat soils

This grass will grow in soils of all

Features

types, most commonly with infre-

Stinkgrass is an annual, warm season,

quent moisture.

introduced grass. It has small glan-

where found

dular structures on the foliage and

Stinkgrass is found in ditches, waste

spikelets, which give off a disagree-

areas, and disturbed sites.

able odor when crushed. The weak

distribution

and spreading stems are 4 to 24 inch-

Stinkgrass can be found throughout

es tall. The lanceolate leaves are hair-

Texas.

less, flat, and sometimes folded 1/16 to 5/16 inches wide. Sheaths are open.

Growing Season

Densely flowered, open panicles are

Stinkgrass flowers from August

ovate to oblong, and 2 to 6 inches

through October.

long. The spikelets are large and have twelve to forty short-stalked flowers. The distinctive grayish green panicle helps to distinguish this species from similar grasses. Also known as stinking lovegrass.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

This weedy species is of minimal forage value. It invades overgrazed pastures. Cattle will avoid stinkgrass. It is said to be poisonous to cattle, and especially to horses, when consumed in large quantities. other uses

This is a weed of disturbed areas. Parts of this grass are used for nesting and denning material. Seed-eating birds and small mammals eat the large, ripe seeds.

weeping lovegrass

Eragrostis curvula

145

Habitat soils

Weeping lovegrass does best in well-

Features

drained sandy loam.

Weeping lovegrass is a perennial,

where found

warm season, introduced bunchgrass.

Weeping lovegrass grows along road-

It grows in large clumps that range

sides, in sandy fields, and in waste

from 24 to 48 inches in height. This

areas.

grass is named for the way the many

distribution

rolled leaves curve gracefully back

Weeping lovegrass is found in Texas

toward the ground. The fast-grow-

Areas 2–5 and 7–9.

ing, 10- to 20-inch leaves are about º inch wide, tapering to a fine point.

Growing Season

The seedheads are loose, pyramidal,

These plants reproduce by seeds and

gray green panicles and develop in

tillers and set seed in late spring,

late spring. They measure from 8 to

summer, and fall.

12 inches long. The small seeds are shaped like a wheat kernel. Weeping lovegrass is highly drought resistant.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Weeping lovegrass has been introduced as a forage grass and is considered to be desirable forage for cattle in early spring and fall if grazed sufficiently close to keep the vegetation tender. The forage value is generally poor for wildlife. other uses

Weeping lovegrass is gaining favor as a cultivated ornamental for landscaping and for erosion control on slopes. It is planted for soil conservation on bare, disturbed, and burned areas.

plains lovegrass

Eragrostis intermedia

147

Habitat soils

Plains lovegrass grows in rich soil as

Features

well as sands and clays.

Plains lovegrass is a 15- to 36-inch

where found

perennial, warm season, tufted, na-

It may be found on rocky ground, in

tive bunchgrass. Leaf sheaths are

open areas, and in disturbed sites.

conspicuously hairy at the throat

distribution

and across the collar. The seedhead

Plains lovegrass occurs in Texas Areas

is a large open panicle. It is erect and

2–7 and 10.

pyramid-shaped with 3 to 8 grayish or brownish-green flowered spikelets,

Growing Season

each borne on individual branches.

Plains lovegrass reproduces by seeds

There is a tuft of hairs in the axil of

and tillers. Bloom time starts in June,

the branch along the panicle axis.

producing seeds quickly after blooming and through November.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Plains lovegrass provides good grazing for cattle but only fair forage for wildlife. Because of its palatability and early greening habit, it decreases with overgrazing in the spring. other uses

Parts of this grass are used for nesting and denning material. Small seedeating birds and some small mammals eat the ripe seeds. This grass provides gardens with delicate texture and color when mixed with other grasses and wildflowers.

mourning lovegrass

Eragrostis lugens

149

Habitat soils

Mourning lovegrass grows in dry,

Features

sandy soils.

Mourning lovegrass is a rather wiry,

where found

tufted, native, warm season peren-

Mourning lovegrass is found on sand

nial. It is erect or ascending from its

dunes, plains, and often in disturbed

base and has 14- to 28-inch culms.

sites.

The 3- to 8-inch leaves are involute. It

distribution

has a 7- to 11-inch oval to pyramidal

Mourning lovegrass is found predom-

open panicle that is a little more than

inantly in the south portion of Texas

half as wide as it is tall. This grass

Area 1 and the east portion of Area 6

is closely related to the taller plains

and occasionally elsewhere.

lovegrass species. It is frequently found together in close association

Growing Season

with plains lovegrass and several

Mourning lovegrass reproduces by

other lovegrasses.

seeds and tillers. It flowers from November through January and

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Mourning lovegrass is good forage for cattle but only fair forage for wildlife. It declines with heavy grazing. other uses

Like plains lovegrass, parts of this grass are used for nesting and denning material. Small seed-eating birds and some small mammals eat the ripe seeds. This grass can provide gardens with delicate texture and color when mixed with other grasses and wildflowers.

also again in the spring.

red lovegrass

Eragrostis secundiflora

151

where found

Red lovegrass can be found invading most overgrazed and disturbed areas

Features

and roadsides.

Red lovegrass is a 12- to 30-inch

distribution

tall, perennial, warm season, native,

This grass occurs in Texas Areas 1–9.

tufted bunchgrass that is branching and spindly. Blades are light green,

Growing Season

3 to 12 inches long. The panicle is

It reproduces by seeds and tillers.

green to dark purple, 8 to 18 inches

Bloom time starts in April and plants

long, loosely flowered and becomes

produce seed from May through June

straw yellow when mature. Spikelets

as long as there is sufficient moisture.

are crowded in clusters. Lemmas are ¿ inch long. Seeds are on very short branches and significantly larger than other lovegrasses.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Red lovegrass produces poor grazing for both cattle and wildlife. other uses

Red lovegrass provides seed and forage for birds and small mammals. Parts of this grass are used for denning and nesting material.

Habitat soils

This species grows in upland sands and clays.

tumble lovegrass

Eragrostis sessilispica

153

distribution

Tumble lovegrass is found in the southern part of Texas Area 2, the

Features

western part of Areas 4 and 5 and the

Tumble lovegrass is a native, warm

eastern part of Area 6, and in Areas

season, perennial with tufted, wiry

7–9.

12- to 36-inch culms. One node is present above the basal cluster of

Growing Season

leaves. Ovate 10- to 25-inch, open

Tumble lovegrass may flower and set

panicles have few stiffly spreading

seeds from April through October.

simple branches, often 12 inches long, that have relatively few stalkless spikelets. It is easily recognized by the very straight panicle branches with alternate, appressed purplish spikelets. Entire panicles break off and become tumble weeds.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Tumble lovegrass provides poor grazing for cattle and wildlife. other uses

Seeds of this and other lovegrass species are used as food by birds and small mammals.

Habitat soils

This lovegrass grows in sandy soils. where found

Tumble lovegrass grows in sandy prairies.

sand     lovegrass 

Eragrostis trichodes



155

Habitat soils

Sand lovegrass grows in sandy soils.

Features

where found

Sand lovegrass is an erect, 24- to 48-

Sand lovegrass can be found in up-

inch perennial, warm season, native,

lands, prairies, and along borders of

tufted bunchgrass. It has a deep and

woods and in disturbed areas. It is

thick root system. Long and narrow

managed best in pure stands.

blades gradually taper to a point. This

distribution

grass has a diffuse seedhead that is

This lovegrass is found in Texas Areas

half as large as the entire plant. The

1 and 3–9.

oblong panicle is very open and has six to ten flowered spikelets borne

Growing Season

in clusters only at the tip end of

Sand lovegrass starts growth two

the branches. These pale-flowered

weeks earlier than other warm season

spikelets turn brownish or purplish at

grasses, reproducing by seeds and

maturity.

tillers. Bloom time starts in spring and produces seed from July through

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Sand lovegrass is sometimes called an “ice cream grass” due to its palatability. It provides excellent forage for cattle but only poor to fair for wildlife. It will decrease under intense grazing. other uses

Sand lovegrass provides seed and forage for birds and small mammals. Parts of this grass are used for denning and nesting material.

December.

canyon muhly

Muhlenbergia involuta

157

sides of the Hill Country where the original specimen was identified. where found

Features

Canyon muhly is found in canyons,

Canyon muhly is a native 24- to 36-

ravines, and openings in rocky

inch warm season, stiffly erect peren-

prairies.

nial. The culms are densely tufted

distribution

with an open, loosely flowered erect

Canyon muhly is endemic to Texas in

panicle. This muhly is a likely hybrid

the Edwards Plateau, Texas Areas 4,

between Lindheimer muhly and seep

5, and 7.

muhly. Therefore, it is sterile and produces little or no seed. These hybrids

Growing Season

are known predominantly from the

Canyon muhly produces straw col-

Edwards Plateau, which is the overlap

ored or, less often, purple-tinged

area of the ranges of the two parent

spikelets in August through

species.

November.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Many species of Muhlenbergia are important range grasses in this region. They may form a considerable portion of the grass of the arid and semiarid rangelands of the Hill Country. other uses

This is a tall, bushy grass with very attractive purplish panicles. It is useful in soil stabilization and as an ornamental. Because it is sterile, commercial propagation may be difficult.

Habitat soils

Canyon muhly grows in well-drained sand, loam, clay, or limestone. It is most frequent on the limestone hill-

seep muhly

Muhlenbergia reverchonii

159

distribution

This muhly occurs in Texas Areas 4, 5, 7, and 8.

Features Seep muhly is a 12- to 36-inch peren-

Growing Season

nial, warm season, native grass. It

Seep muhly reproduces from seeds

has a distinctive curly-leafed mound

and tillers. Bloom time starts in

of narrow, in-rolled leaves that often

August and continues through

die out in the middle as the plant

November and produces seed from

ages. The inflorescence is a wispy

September through December.

and loosely flowered panicle. From a distance, the inflorescence looks like copper colored cotton candy.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Seep muhly provides fair forage for cattle and wildlife. other uses

This plant’s seeds are eaten by variety of birds, and the leaves are used for denning and nesting material. This pretty grass provides a soft texture for landscape plantings.

Habitat soils

Seep muhly grows in calcareous soils, clay, and limestone based soils. where found

Seep muhly can be found growing in seep areas and grass slopes.

texas     wintergrass 

Nassella leucotricha

161



Habitat soils

Features

Texas wintergrass grows in dry, sandy

Texas wintergrass is a 12- to 24-inch,

or clay soils.

perennial, cool season, and native

where found

bunchgrass. Its stems usually are

Texas wintergrass can be found in

erect but sometimes are prostrate

open grasslands, slopes, bottomlands,

with short, hairy nodes. Dark green

and mesquite flats, including open

leaf blades are covered with short,

sites. It is not highly shade tolerant

bristly, white hairs and are rough on

and is replaced by other species in

both sides. This grass has an unusual

wooded locations.

looking, loose panicle inflorescence.

distribution

The light brown seed has a single,

Texas wintergrass occurs in all re-

highly visible, twisted, 2- to 4-inch

gions of Texas.

awn with a barbed spikelet base that is spearlike in appearance. The per-

Growing Season

sistent, white glumes resemble oats

Texas wintergrass reproduces from

after the awned seeds have fallen in

seeds, self-fertilizing spikelets, and

spring. Also known as speargrass and

tillers. It flowers as early as March

Texas needlegrass.

and is completed by June, occasionally later in cool sites, setting seed

Uses

right away. It generally has a short

e c o n o m i c va l u e

growing season.

Texas wintergrass provides good to fair grazing for both cattle and wildlife in early spring. However, the awns may create irritation later in the season. It is the most abundant native cool season grass in Texas. other uses

Several varieties of birds eat the seeds and parts of the grass are used as denning and nesting materials.

common witchgrass

Panicum capillare

163

Habitat soils

Common witchgrass is most common

Features

in sandy and dry soils.

Common witchgrass is a native, warm

where found

season, 8- to 28-inch annual. Erect

This annual weed is infrequently

or spreading at the base, it is weak

found throughout our region, more

stemmed and much branched and

commonly in disturbed sites. It may

hairy at the nodes. Leaf blades are

be found in waste and open fields,

flat, 4 to 10 inches long, and hairy

vacant lots, and along roadways. It is

at least on one side. The seedheads

invasive into areas of disturbance.

are very diffuse, densely flowered

distribution

panicles. The wide-spreading, open

Common witchgrass is distributed

panicle is frequently half the height

throughout Texas except the South

of the plant and equally as wide. It is

Texas Plains, Texas Area 6.

often purplish when mature. It has many slender branches with single

Growing Season

spikelets at the tips. After maturity

Common witchgrass reproduces by

the inflorescence may break off and

seed. It produces flowers as early as

roll like a tumbleweed. Also called

March, otherwise from June through

ticklegrass.

November.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Common witchgrass provides little forage value and will rarely be grazed by livestock or wildlife. other uses

This and other Panicum species are larval hosts to northern broken dash and other skipper butterflies.

kleingrass

Panicum coloratum

165

Habitat soils

Kleingrass grows in a variety of clays,

Features

clay loams, and sands.

Kleingrass is an introduced, 24- to

where found

48-inch perennial, warm season, and

This grass can be found growing on

slow growing bunchgrass. This tufted

open ranges.

grass grows from firm, often knotty

distribution

bases and has ascending leaves. It will

Kleingrass occurs in Texas Areas 3–5

root at the nodes when the stems are

and 7.

in contract with wet soil. Stem nodes are hairless; sheaths and blades may

Growing Season

be hairless or may have stiff, swollen

It reproduces by seeds and tillers.

base hairs. The inflorescence is an

Bloom time starts in April and pro-

open panicle.

duces seed from May through September.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Kleingrass provides highly palatable and nutritious grazing for livestock but only fair forage for wildlife. In some cases its consumption may cause photosensitization in sheep, goats, and horses. Lush, green grass following moisture is found to be more toxic than older, dormant growth. other uses

This grass is heat, cold, and moisture tolerant. It can be harvested for hay when cut beyond its period of toxicity. It also provides seed and forage for birds and small mammals. Parts of this grass are used for denning and nesting material.

halls     panicum 

Panicum hallii var. hallii



167

where found

Halls panicum can be found on dry prairies, rocky and gravelly hills, and

Features

bottomlands.

Halls panicum is a 12- to 24-inch, pe-

distribution

rennial, native, warm season, tufted

This grass occurs in all Texas Areas

grass. Stiffly erect 8- to 32-inch stems

except the Pineywoods (Area 1).

are covered with a white waxy coating. It has slick, flat, green blades.

Growing Season

Primary panicle branches are open

Halls panicum reproduces by seeds

and few, mostly less than fifteen.

and tillers. Flowering and setting seed

The single-seeded spikelets are borne

starts in April and continues through

on very short pedicels appressed

November.

near the ends of the inflorescence branches. Seeds turn dark brown and shiny when ripe. This grass is easy to recognize at maturity because the curling basal leaves resemble wood shavings and are a straw yellow color.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Halls panicum provides fair grazing for both cattle and wildlife. other uses

This panicum provides seed and forage for birds and small mammals. Parts of this grass are used for denning and nesting material.

Habitat soils

Halls panicum grows most commonly in shallow, calcareous soils as well in sands and clays.

switchgrass      

Panicum virgatum



169

accent in gardens, parks, and yards. It is also an important grass for use in conservation programs and is

Features

used in waterways and areas of tem-

Switchgrass is a native 36- to 72-inch

porary flooding, providing excellent

perennial, warm season, sod-form-

erosion control. This large grass is

ing bunchgrass that grows in large

excellent protective cover for a va-

clumps with many scaly, creeping

riety of wildlife. Delaware skipper,

rhizomes. Roots can reach to ten feet

least skipper, and northern broken

in depth. Stems are hollow. Leaves

dash butterfly larvae use it as a larval

are a blue green color and about 24

food source. Dove, quail, turkey, and

inches in length. It can be identified

songbirds relish its seeds in winter.

by the small thatch of hair at the lig-

Grass parts are used in denning and

ule where the blade attaches to the

nesting material.

sheath. Open panicles are pyramid shaped with many purplish spikelets.

Habitat

It has large spikelets clustered on

soils

long, slender branches that turn a

Switchgrass is found on a broad range

rich gold when mature. Foliage color

of soils including sands, loams, and

ranges from silver blue to intense

clays.

green in summer. Switchgrass is one

where found

of the “big four” grasses of the Ameri-

Switchgrass thrives within moist low-

can tallgrass prairie.

land prairies, creeks, streams, open woods, and protected areas.

Uses

distribution

e c o n o m i c va l u e

This attractive grass occurs in all

Switchgrass provides nutritious graz-

Texas Areas.

ing for cattle and fair forage for wildlife; however, the palatability declines

Growing Season

rapidly at maturity. It is harvested for

Switchgrass reproduces from seeds,

seed and it also makes good hay when

rhizomes, and tillers. Bloom time

cut young.

starts in August and continues

other uses

through October, producing seed

Because of its striking beauty and

from October through November.

drought resistance, switchgrass has gained importance as a landscaping

johnsongrass      

Sorghum halepense



171

and for forage, but it can become a prolific, troublesome weed. Its strong rhizomes make it difficult to eradi-

Features

cate. American Indians used johnson-

Johnsongrass is a fast growing, 36- to

grass as fodder for horses, and their

72-inch perennial, warm season, in-

children used the stems and leaves to

troduced, sod-forming grass. Its flat,

make grass whistles.

blue green leaves are up to 18 inches long and Ω inch wide with a lightly

Habitat

colored midvein. The leaves often

soils

have purple spots that are caused by

It grows in clays, sands, and loams,

bacterial disease or fungi. Large, open

but grows profusely in moist soil.

panicles have branchlets, mostly in

where found

whorls. The awns soon fall, leaving

Johnsongrass can be found growing

shiny, fuzzy seeds.

in fields and waste places like roadsides and ditches.

Uses

distribution

e c o n o m i c va l u e

This weedy and persistent grass

Johnsongrass provides good grazing

grows in all Texas Areas.

for cattle and can be harvested at certain periods for hay. However, under

Growing Season

drought conditions and following the

Johnsongrass reproduces from seeds,

first frost it produces hydrocyanic

tillers, and widely creeping, scaly

acid or prussic acid and becomes poi-

rhizomes. It blooms and produces

sonous to cattle and sheep. It is fair

seed nearly year-round under warm

forage for wildlife. It is drought and

conditions.

cold resistant. other uses

Johnsongrass is eaten by a variety of birds, especially quail and wild turkey. Parts of the grass are used for denning and nesting material. It is also a host plant for the neamathla skipper, Julia’s skipper, and the swarthy skipper butterfly larvae. It has also been used for erosion control

meadow dropseed

Sporobolus compositus var. drummondii

173

where found

Meadow dropseed can be found in sandy meadows, prairies, and open

Features

woodlands.

Meadow dropseed is a 25- to 50-

distribution

inch perennial, warm season, native

Meadow dropseed occurs in Texas

bunchgrass. Leaf blades normally

Areas 1–8.

are flat but tend to roll inward with maturity, appear round, and taper to

Growing Season

a point at the tip. The open panicle is

Meadow dropseed reproduces from

slender, somewhat compressed with

seeds and tillers. Bloom time starts

the base enclosed in the upper leaf

in late August and produces flowers

sheath. Also called rough dropseed

from August to November.

and tall dropseed.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Meadow dropseed produces fair grazing for cattle and only poor forage for wildlife. It is most palatable when young and green. other uses

Meadow dropseed provides good forage for seed-eating mammals.

Habitat soils

Meadow dropseed grows in sands, clays, and silty soils that usually receive a good deal of moisture.

sand dropseed

Sporobolus cryptandrus

175

American Indians used the seeds as a food source to make bread.

Features

Habitat

Sand dropseed is a 24- to 43-inch

soils

native, perennial, warm season

Sand dropseed can be found growing

midgrass that grows in small tufts.

in sands and sandy loams.

A distinct flag-leaf is usually present

where found

at right angles to the stem just below

This grass can be found in overgrazed

the seedhead. It can be identified by a

areas, pastures, open disturbed areas,

ring of short stiff hairs at the leaf col-

and along roadsides.

lar. The open panicle is lead colored

distribution

to purplish with small spikelets borne

Sand dropseed occurs in Texas Areas

on short pedicels. Mature seeds are

2–10.

a reddish orange color. Also called covered-spike dropseed.

Growing Season Sand dropseed reproduces from seed

Uses

and tillers. Bloom time starts in May

e c o n o m i c va l u e

and continues through November,

Sand dropseed is the most wide-

producing seed right after blooming.

spread and abundant of the dropseed grasses. It provides fair grazing for cattle and only poor forage for wildlife. Sand dropseed is readily eaten by cattle during its early growth stages, but becomes unpalatable with maturity. It will increase in overgrazed pastures. In Texas, sand dropseed is a common invader of buffalograss communities. other uses

Sand dropseed is one of the most common roadside grasses. Seeds are eaten by many birds and small mammals and parts of this grass are used for denning and nesting material.

purpletop

Tridens flavus var. flavus

177

nodding seedheads provide a graceful appearance.

Features

Habitat

Purpletop is a 24- to 60-inch peren-

soils

nial, warm season, native bunchgrass.

Purpletop grows in well-drained

This grass has a tuft of stiff, short hair

sands, on moist, light-textured soils,

on either side of the leaf sheath at

clays, and sandy loams.

the collar and a ligule that is a ring

where found

of short hairs. Sheaths are flattened

Purpletop can be often found in shady

and overlapping at the base. The

areas of old fields, prairies, and open

panicle is open and spreading in a

woods.

pyramid shape. When blooming, the

distribution

inflorescence has a purplish hue that

Purpletop is found throughout the

eventually turns nearly black. The

state except the South Texas Plains

seedhead is frequently covered with

(Texas Area 6).

an oily substance that may be covered by dust and dirt. Erect but drooping

Growing Season

at maturity, it looks a lot like john-

Purpletop reproduces from seeds and

songrass in the winter. Also known as

tillers. Bloom time starts in June and

greasegrass.

continues through August, producing seeds from August through November.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

During early growth, it is readily consumed, providing fair grazing for both cattle and wildlife. other uses

Parts of this grass are used for denning and nesting material. This grass is a larval host plant for a variety of butterflies, including cross-line skipper, large wood nymph, common wood nymph, little glassywing, and broad-winged skipper. In a garden setting the elegant purplish and

texas     tridens 

Tridens texanus



179

where found

Texas tridens can be found growing along roads, in canyons, and habitats

Features

protected by shrubs.

Texas tridens is a densely tufted pe-

distribution

rennial without rhizomes or stolons.

This species occurs in Texas Areas 2,

Culms are strictly erect and 8 to 30

6, 7, and 10.

inches tall. The 3- to 8-inch blades become in-rolled with maturity and

Growing Season

are pointed to a long narrow tip. The

Texas tridens reproduces from seeds

nodding inflorescence is an open or

and tillers. Flowering may begin as

loosely contracted, 2- to 6-inch pani-

early as April through June and again

cle with scattered, slender branches.

in August to November.

Uses e c o n o m i c va l u e

Texas tridens provides fair to good forage for cattle and wildlife. other uses

The seeds of Texas tridens, as well as those of other tridens, are consumed by birds and small mammals.

Habitat soils

Texas tridens grows in alluvial clay, sandy loam, and calcareous soils.

Glossary

Abaxial  The back surface, away from the axis. Acid  Sour, with a pH below 7.0. Acuminate  Gradually narrowing to a point. Acute

Having a sharp, but not ex-

tended point. Adhere  To stick. Adherent  Sticking or clinging. Alkaline  Base, having a pH greater than 7.0. Alternate  Leaf arrangement singly at each node. Annual  Plant completing its life cycle from seed to death within a single season.

the junction of the blade and the sheath. Awl-shaped  Small and narrow or sharply pointed. Awn  Small hair-like projection usually at the tip of a spikelet. Axil  The upper angle between a branch and the stem. Axis  The main stem of a plant or inflorescence upon which other structures are arranged; the central axis of a panicle inflorescence. Barbed  Hooked hair or projection. Basal  Growing from the base of a stem. Bearded  Growing long or stiff hairs.

Apex  The tip of a structure.

Bi-  Prefix meaning two.

Apical  Located at the tip.

Bilateral  Arranged on opposite sides.

Appressed  Arranged closely

Bisexual  Having both male and fe-

against another structure. Arid  Dry and barren, with little moisture for growth. Articulate  Jointed parts, connected at a node. Articulation  A joint or node. Ascending  Rising upward. Asymmetrical  A structure with dissimilar halves. Auricle  A finger- or earlike appendage of a leaf occurring laterally at

male reproductive structures, that is, stamens and pistils. Blade  The usually flattened structure of a leaf, extending from the stem and above the sheath. Bract  A modified leaf below a flower. Glumes, lemmas, and paleas of grass spikelets are bracts. Branch  An extension from the main stem or part of a panicle inflorescence.

glossary

182 Branchlet  Ultimate divisions of a branch.

Culm  Jointed stem of grass. Cup  A caplike structure of bracts

Bristle  Stiff, hairlike projection.

closely covering or at the base of

Bunchgrass  Growing from tight

the seeds.

clusters of roots and stems. Bur  A prickly or barbed covering around seeds or spikelets. Calcareous  Limy; soils with high amounts of calcium. Caliche  Stony soil high in calcium carbonate, found in dry areas. Campanulate Bell-shaped. Cap  A cuplike structure of bracts closely covering the seeds. Capsule  A dry fruit composed of more than two, many-seeded carpels. Carpel  A simple pistil or one member of a compound pistil. Central axis  The inflorescence main axis. Cespitose  Growing in tufts; a bunchgrass. Ciliate  Fringed with hairs on the edge. Clay  Firm, fine-grained soil of low organic content and plastic when wet. Clump  A plant cluster. Collar  The outer side of a grass leaf at the junction of the blade and its sheath. Compressed  Flattened, especially laterally. Contracted  Drawn together and with short branches in inflorescences.

Decreaser  Productive species of the original climax vegetation stand that is palatable to livestock that decreases on a range when exposed to heavy grazing pressures or disturbance. Decumbent  Upward curving stems from a reclining base. Dense  Inflorescence having crowded spikelet structures. Denuded  Bare of leaves or inflorescences. Diffuse  Widely or loosely spreading. Digitate  Arising from a common supporting point, like the fingers of the hand. Disarticulate  To separate at the joints or nodes at maturity. Disarticulation  The point where the flower or spikelet falls off the plant. Dissected  Cut or divided into numerous parts. Distal  Most distant from the point of attachment. Divergent  Inclining away from each other. Dormant  Live, but not actively growing. Dorsal  The back surface of an organ.

glossary 

183

 

Elongate  Long and narrow.

range plants, including grasses, to

Endemic  Confined to a specific

grazing. Range plants are grouped

region. Entire  Undivided; a leaf margin without teeth or lobes. Erect  Upright or vertical. Fertile  Capable of producing fruit. Floret  The flower in grasses and its enclosing bracts (lemma and palea). Flower  The reproductive, seed-producing plant structure. Flowering  Producing the reproductive structures. Forage  Food for grazing animals. Forage value  The usefulness of a plant for livestock consumption determined by its palatability, nu-

into decreasers, increasers, and invaders. Habit  The general appearance of a plant. Habitat  The type of locality in which a plant grows. Head  A dense cluster of flowers on a short axis. Herbaceous  Soft and leaflike in color and texture; not woody, including grasses. Hirsute  Covered with rather coarse or stiff hairs. Hooded  In-rolled; sometimes conspicuously swollen margins of floret. Ice cream grass  Excellent forage

tritive quality, volume of biomass

grass, highly palatable and desir-

produced, and longevity.

able to cattle.

Geniculate  Bent abruptly, like a knee joint. Glabrous  Without hair. Glaucous  Covered or whitened with a waxy substance. Globose  Rounded or spherical; globelike. Glume  A bract usually present at the base of a spikelet. Grain  A small, seedlike fruit of the grass family. Grass  Generally tufted or sod-form-

Imbricate  Overlapping, like shingles on a roof. Imperfect  Having either male or female reproductive structures, but not both. Increaser  Species of the original vegetative site that increase in number to take the place of decreasers that have weakened or died due to heavy grazing or other range disturbance. Indicator  Telling species for a par-

ing flowering plants with round

ticular habitat or environmental

stems and narrow elongate leaves

condition.

of the plant family Poaceae. Grazing response  The reaction of

Infertile  Incapable of producing a caryopsis (seed).

glossary

184 Inflorescence  The flowering part of a grass; the cluster of spikelets and its supporting axis. Internode  The portion of a stem between two nodes. Introduced  Not native in the subject area. Invader  Plant species that invade and replace plants that have died

Lobed  Composed of rounded segments. Margins  The outside edges of a leaf. Mat  A spreading growth form appearing like a carpet. Mesic  Moderately moist. Midvein  The central nerve or vascular bundle of a leaf, lemma, or glume.

or become seriously weakened.

Native  Indigenous to a region.

They are generally weedy and

Nerve  A simple vein or slender rib

have little or no grazing value. Involute  Rolled inward from the edges. Joint  The node of a grass culm, spikelet, or inflorescence. Lanceolate  Lance-shaped; rela­ tively narrow, tapering to both ends; broadest below the middle. Lateral  Referring to the sides. Leaf  The flattened lateral organ of a grass culm consisting of the sheath, blade ligule, and auricles. Leaf blade  The expanded portion

of a leaf or bract. Neuter  Without functional pistils or stamen. Node  The knotlike stem location commonly bearing branches or leaves. Oblong  Nearly parallel-sided and two to three times longer than broad. Obovate  Inversely egg-shaped with widest part above the middle. Open  Loose, spreading inflorescences, with few spikelets and

of the leaf above the sheath.

long branches.

Leaf sheath  The basal portion of

Opposed Opposite.

the leaf enclosing the stem. Leaflet  A secondary leaf; one division of a compound leaf. Lemma  The lower bract enclosing the flower in a grass floret. Ligule  A small, membranous or hairy projection on the surface of a grass leaf at its junction of the sheath and blade. Loam  A rich soil of clay, organic silt, and sand particles.

Opposite  Paired structures, one on each side of a node. Oval  Nearly round. Ovate

Egg-shaped, with the widest

part below the middle. Ovoid  An oval solid. Ovule  The structure that becomes the seed after fertilization. Paired  Occurring in twos. Palea  The upper bract enclosing the flower of a grass floret.

glossary 

185

 

Palmate  Three or more leaflets radiating from a common point. Panicle  An inflorescence in which the flowers are borne on branching stalks. Pedicel  A stalk of a single spikelet. Pedicellate  Having a pedicel. Peduncle  The stem of a spikelet cluster. Perennial  A life span of more than one year. Persistent  Remaining attached; an

Rhizome  A horizontal underground stem, usually producing roots and shoots at the nodes. Roots  Descending plant stem developing underground without nodes. Rosette  A circular cluster of basal leaves. Runners  Stolons or rhizomes. Sand  Soil composed of small inorganic particles, mostly of quartz. Scabrous  Rough to the touch, usu-

inflorescence or spikelet that does

ally because of tiny prickle-hairs

not disarticulate.

on the surface.

Pilose  Hairy; especially with soft and frequently straight hairs. Pistil  The female seed-bearing structures of a flower. Primary branch  Any branch arising from the main axis. Prostrate  Lying flat upon the ground. Proximal  Nearest the point of attachment. Pubescent  Covered with short, soft, or downy hairs. Raceme  A simple inflorescence with spikelets arising on stalks,

Secondary  Not primary, subordinate; branches arising from the primary axis. Seed  The ripened ovule consisting of the embryo and its outer coats. Seedhead  A grass inflorescence. Sessile Without pedicel or stalks. Sheath  The lower tubular part of a leaf that wraps around the stem, typically split. (See leaf sheath.) Silt  A soil comprised of fine-grained sediment including sand and clay. Simple  Stem without branches. Sod  Surface layer of earth contain-

each from the main axis without

ing grass plants with their matted

branching.

roots.

Racemose  Having branches with a raceme-like structure. Rachilla  The axis of a spikelet. Rachis The axis of the inflorescence

Sodgrass

Grass that spreads by

stolons or rhizomes forming a carpetlike mat. Spicate raceme An inflorescence

in spikes, racemes, and spicate

with an unbranched central axis

racemes.

producing sessile and pedicellate

Rhizomatous  Having rhizomes.

spikelets at each node.

glossary

186 Spikelike.

Spicate Spike

An elongated, unbranched

inflorescence having spikelets with no stalks or pedicels. Spikelet The basic unit of a grass inflorescence, usually consisting of a short axis, bracts, glumes, and one or more florets. Sprangled Springy, spreading. Stamen The male, pollen-pro­ ducing organ of the flower. Staminate Having stamen, but not pistils. Stems

The grass culm or stalk.

Sterile Without functional pistils. A sterile floret may be staminate or neuter. Stinger An extended projection from the apex of some inflorescences that projects beyond the

Subtend Positioned below and close to. Terminal Growing at or positioned at the distal extremity. Tiller Lateral shoot arising at near ground level. Transverse Lying or situated across; crosswise. Truncate Ending abruptly as if chopped off. Tufted Tightly clustered; cespitose. Tumbleweed

Grass seedheads

that break off at maturity and are blown around by the wind. Unilateral One-sided; developing or hanging on one side. Veins Threads of vascular tissue in a leaf, especially those that branch. Verticil, -illate

A whorl of struc-

point of the last spikelet and re-

tures arising from several nodes

sembles the stinger of a wasp.

along the inflorescence axis.

Stolon A modified, horizontal, above ground stem, producing roots and shoots at the nodes. Stoloniferous Having stolons. (Horizontal stems with buds and reduced leaf parts.) Sub- A prefix used to denote an inferior rank, or a lower part.

Villous

Bearing long, soft,

unmatted hairs. Whorl A cluster of three or more branches around a single node of the inflorescence axis.

Bibliography

Bamberger, David. Grasses Workshop. Johnson City, Tex.: Selah, Bamberger Ranch, 1999. Bamert Seed Company. Native Grasses Catalog. Muleshoe, Tex.: Bamert Seed Co., 2002. Brown, Lauren. Grasses: An Identification Guide. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1979. ———. Grasslands. Audubon Society Nature Guide. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1989. Damude, Noreen, and Kelly Conrad Bender. Texas Wildscapes. Austin: Texas Parks and Wildlife Press, 1999. Diggs, George M., Jr., Barney L. Lipscomb, and Robert J. O’Kennon. Shinners & Mahler’s Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas. Fort Worth: Botanical Research Institute of Texas, 1999. Duble, Richard L. Turfgrasses: Their Management and Use in the Southern Zone. College Station: Texas A&M University Press, 1996. Fernald, Merritt L. Gray’s Manual of Botany. New York: American Book Co., 1950.

Gould, Frank W. Common Texas Grasses: An Illustrated Guide. College Station: Texas A&M University Press, 1978. ———. The Grasses of Texas. College Station: Texas A&M University Press, 1975. Hatch, Stephan L., K. N. Gandhi, and Larry E. Brown. Checklist of the Vascular Plants of Texas. College Station: Texas A&M University Press, 1997. Hatch, Stephan L., and Jennifer Pluhar. Texas Range Plants. College Station: Texas A&M University Press, 1999. Hitchcock, A. S. Manual of the Grasses of the United States. Miscellaneous Publication No. 200. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Administration, 1951. 2nd edition revised by Agnes Chase in two volumes. New York: Dover Publications, 1971. Jones, Stanley D., Joseph K. Wipff, and Paul M. Montgomery. Vascular Plants of Texas. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1997.

188 Kaspar, Mike, and Quincy Spurlin. Key to the Grasses of the Austin Hill Country. Austin: Austin Community College, 1991. Native American Seed Catalog. Junction, Tex.: Native American Seed Co., 2004. Plants of the Southwest. Catalog— Plants of the Southwest. Santa Fe, 1990. Powell, A. Michael. Grasses of the Trans-Pecos and Adjacent Areas. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1994. Ragsdale, B. J., and T. G. Welsh. Descriptions of Range and Pasture Plants. College Station: Texas Agricultural Extension Service, Texas A&M University, 1980. Rector, Barron. Know Your Grasses. College Station: Texas Cooperative Extension, Texas A&M University, 2005. Spurlin, Quincy. Key to the Grasses

bibliography of the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve. Austin: Austin Community College, 1991. Tveten, John, and Gloria Tveten. Butterflies of Houston and Southeast Texas. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1996. United States Department of Agriculture. Soil Survey of Comal and Hays Counties, Texas. 1984. Wasowski, Sally, and Andy Wasowski. Native Texas Plants. Houston: Gulf Publishing Company, 1991. Whetsell, William C. Pasture and Range Plants. Bartlesville, Okla.: Phillips Petroleum Co., 1963. Whitson, Tom D., et al. Weeds of the West. Jackson: University of Wyoming, 1992. Windrow, Don A. Grass Seed Catalog. San Antonio: Douglass W. King Co., 1975.

Index

Agrostis gigantea, 71 Andropogon gerardii, 39 glomeratus, 79 area of coverage, 3 Aristida oligantha, 121 purpurea, 123 Arundo donax, 81 Avena fatua, 125 Balcones Escarpment, 4 barnyardgrass, 139 bell grama, 55 bentgrass, water, 71 Berlandier, Jean Louis, 6 bermudagrass, 43 big bluestem, 39 big four grasses, 5, 35, 39, 111, 169 big muhly, 95 blue grama, 49 bluestem big, 39 bushy, 79 cane, 83 King Ranch, 85 KR, 85 little, 35

silky, 45 silver, 87 bluestem wheatgrass, 27 Bothriochloa barbinodis, 83 ischaemum var. songarica, 85 laguroides ssp. torreyana, 87 bottlegrass, 109 Bouteloua curtipendula var. curtipendula, 47 gracilis, 49 hirsuta, 51 pectinata, 53 rigidiseta var. rigidiseta, 55 trifida, 57 bristlegrass green, 109 knotroot, 101 plains, 103 reverchon, 105 southwestern, 107 bristlejoint bluestem, 83 broad crabgrass, 77 broadleaf woodoats, 131 broad-winged skipper, 177 brome, Japaneese, 129 Bromus catharticus, 127 japonicus, 129

index

190 Buchloë dactyloides, 59 buffalograss, 59 bunchgrass skipper, 37, 39 bushy beardgrass, 79 bushy bluestem, 79 butterfly broad-winged skipper, 177 bunchgrass skipper, 37, 39 Carolina satyr, 43 Celia’s roadside skipper, 65 clouded skipper, 65 common wood nymph, 35, 39, 125, 177 cross-line skipper, 177 Delaware skipper, 39, 169 dusted skipper, 39 fiery skipper, 43 gemmed satyr, 43 golden skipper, 27 green skipper, 51 Julia’s skipper, 43, 63, 171 large wood nymph, 177 least skipper, 169 Leonard’s skipper, 35 little glassywing skipper, 125, 177 neamathla skipper, 63, 171 northern broken dash, 163, 169 obscure skipper, 43 orange roadside skipper, 51 sachem, 43 southern skipperling, 43 swarthy skipper, 35, 171 umber skipper, 43 whirlabout, 43 zabulon skipper, 23, 59

Canada wildrye, 23 canarygrass, Carolina, 99 cane beardgrass, 83 cane bluestem, 83 canyon muhly, 157 Carolina canarygrass, 99 Carolina satyr, 43 Celia’s roadside skipper, 65 Cenchrus spinifex, 89 Chasmanthium latifolium, 131 cheat, 129 Chloris cucullata, 73 subdolichostachya, 75 virgata, 41 chloris, showy, 41 clouded skipper, 65 cockspur, 139 Colorado grass, 119 common curly-mesquite, 29 common sandbur, 89 common witchgrass, 163 common wood nymph, 35, 39, 125, 177 covered-spike dropseed, 175 crabgrass, hairy, 77 creeping mesquite, 29 cross-line skipper, 177 cupgrass, Texas, 91 curlymesquite, 29 curly-mesquite, common, 29 Cynodon dactylon, 43 dallisgrass, 63 Delaware skipper, 39, 169 Dichanthelium

index 

191

 



acuminatum var. lindheimeri, 133 oligosanthes var. scribnerianum, 135 Dichanthium sericeum, 45 diffuse crabgrass, 137 Digitaria cognata, 137 sanguinalis, 77 dotted skipper, 47 dropseed sand, 175 tall, 113 meadow, 173 dusted skipper, 39 eastern gamagrass, 37 Echinochloa crusgalli, 139 Edwards Plateau, 3, 4 Elymus canadensis, 23 smithii, 27 virginicus, 25 English ryegrass, 31 Eragrostis barrelieri, 141 cilianensis, 143 curvula, 145 intermedia, 147 lugens, 149 secundiflora, 151 sessilispica, 153 superba, 33 trichodes, 155 Eriochloa sericea, 91 erioneuron, hairy, 93 Erioneuron pilosum, 93

fall witchgrass, 137 feather fingergrass, 41 feathertop rhodesgrass, 41 few-flowered aristida, 121 fibrous roots, 8 fiery skipper, 43 flaggrass, 113 foxtail, 107 gamagrass, eastern, 37 gemmed satyr, 43 giantreed, 81 golden skipper, 27 grama blue, 49 hairy, 51 red, 57 sideoats, 47 tall, 53 Texas, 55 graminaea, 6 grapevine-mesquite, 97 grass, big four, 5, 35, 39, 111, 169 grass, definition, 6 greasegrass, 177 green bristlegrass, 109 green foxtail grass, 109 green skipper, 47, 51 green sprangletop, 61 hairy crabgrass, 77 erioneuron, 93 flowered paspalum, 67 grama, 51 tridens, 93 hairyseed paspalum, 67

index

192 Halls panicum, 167 Hilaria belangeri, 29 Hill Country of Texas, 3–6 hooded fingergrass, 73 hooded windmillgrass, 73 indiangrass, yellow, 111 indianreed, 111 inflorescence, 8–13 Japaneese brome, 129 Japanese chess, 129 johnsongrass, 171 Julia’s skipper, 43, 63, 171 King Ranch bluestem, 85 Kleingrass, 165 knotroot bristlegrass, 101 KR bluestem, 85 large crabgrass, 77 large wood nymph, 177 leaf, 8 least skipper, 169 Leonard’s skipper, 35 Leptochloa dubia, 61 ligule, 8 Lindheimer dichanthelium, 133 muhly, 95 panicum, 133 rosettegrass, 133 Lindheimer, Ferdinand, 6 little bluestem, 35 little glassywing skipper, 125, 177 Lolium perenne, 31

Long leaved rushgrass, 113 longtom, 65 lovegrass mediterranean, 141 mourning, 149 plains, 147 red, 151 sand, 155 tumble, 153 weeping, 145 Willmann, 33 meadow dropseed, 173 mediterranean lovegrass, 141 mesquite, vine, 97 mesquitegrass, 29, 55 mourning lovegrass, 149 Muhlenbergia involuta, 157 lindheimeri, 95 reverchonii, 159 muhly canyon, 157 Lindheimer, 95 seep, 159 Nash windmillgrass, 75 Nassella leucotricha, 161 neamathla skipper, 63, 171 nodding wildrye, 23 node, 8 northern broken dash skipper, 163, 169 oat, wild, 125 obscure skipper, 43

index 

193

 

oldfield threeawn, 121 orange roadside skipper, 51 panicgrass, 97, 135 panicle, 12–13 Panicum capillare, 163 coloratum, 165 hallii var. hallii, 167 obtusum, 97 virgatum, 169 panicum, Halls, 167 Paspalum dilatatum, 63 lividum, 65 pubiflorum, 67 urvillei, 69 paspalum, hairyseed, 67 paspalumgrass, 63 perennial ryegrass, 31 Phalaris caroliniana, 99 pigeongrass, 109 plains bristlegrass, 103 plains lovegrass, 147 poaceae, 6 Polypogon viridis, 71 prairie beardgrass, 35 prairie threeawn, 121 pull-and-be-damned, 65 purple needlegrass,123 purple threeawn, 123 purpletop, 177 Queensland bluegrass, 45 raceme, spicate, 12

red grama, 57 red lovegrass, 151 redtop, 71 rescue brome, 127 rescuegrass, 127 Reverchon bristlegrass, 105 roots, fibrous, 8 rosettegrass Lindheimer, 133 Scribners, 135 rough dropseed, 113, 173 rough rushgrass, 113 ryegrass, 31 perennial, 31 sachem butterfly, 43 sand dropseed, 175 sand lovegrass, 155 sandbur, common, 89 sawtooth lovegrass, 33 Scheeles bristlegrass, 107 Schizachyrium scoparium var. scoparium, 35 Schraders-grass, 127 Scribners panicum, 135 Scribners rosettegrass, 135 seedhead, 8–13 seep muhly, 159 Setaria leucopila, 103 parviflora, 101 reverchonii, 105 scheelei, 107 viridis, 109 sheath, 8 shortspike windmillgrass, 75

index

194 showy chloris, 41 sideoats grama, 47 signalgrass, Texas, 119 silky bluestem, 45 silky cupgrass, 91 silver beardgrass, 87 silver bluestem, 87 skipper butterfly, 123 skunktail, 71 slim tridens, 117 Sorghastrum nutans, 111 Sorghum halepense, 171 southern canarygrass, 99 southern crabgrass, 77 southern skipperling, 43 southwestern bristlegrass, 107 speargrass, 161 spicate raceme, 12 spike, 12 spikelet, 8–9 Sporobolus compositus var. compositus, 113 compositus var. drummondii, 173 cryptandrus, 175 sprangletop, green, 61 State Grass of Texas, 47 stinger, 49, 51, 53 stinkgrass, 143 stinking lovegrass, 143 Stockton Plateau, 4, 6 swarthy skipper, 35, 173 switchgrass, 169

cupgrass, 91 grama, 55 Hill Country, 3–6 millet, 119 needlegrass, 161 panic, 119 signalgrass, 119 State Grass, 47 tridens, 179 vegetational areas, 9–11 wintergrass, 161 threeawn oldfield, 121 purple, 123 threeawn grama, 57 ticklegrass, 163 Tridens albescens, 115 flavus var. flavus, 177 muticus var. muticus, 117 texanus, 179 tridens slim, 117 Texas, 179 white, 115 Tripsacum dactyloides, 37 tumble lovegrass, 153 turkeyfoot, 39

tall dropseed, 113, 173 tall grama, 53 Texas crowfoot, 61

Vaseygrass, 69 vegetational areas of Texas, 9–11

umber skipper, 43 Urochloa texana, 119 Urville’s paspalum, 69

index 

195

 

vine mesquite, 97 Virginia wildrye, 25 water bentgrass, 71 weeping lovegrass, 145 western wheatgrass, 27 wheatgrass, western, 27 whirlabout butterfly, 43 white tridens, 115 wild millet, 109 wild oat, 125 wildrye Canada, 23 Virginia, 25 Willmann lovegrass, 33

windmillgrass hooded, 73 shortspike, 75 wintergrass, 129 Texas, 161 wiregrass, 97 witchgrass common, 163 fall, 137 woodoats, broadleaf, 131 woollygrass, 93 yellow indiangrass, 111 zabulon skipper, 23, 59