Waitt, Damon E.
Hilaria belangeri var. belangeri (Steud.) Nash
Curly-mesquite
Poaceae (Grass Family)
Curly-mesquite is a tufted,
perennial grass sending out slender stolons which produce new tufts in the internodes. The flowering culms are to 1 ft. tall with a slender spike. Twisted, grayish-green leaf blades, 4-6 in. tall, are covered with long, silvery, curly hairs.
Image Gallery:
1 photo(s) available
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov
Distribution
USA: AZ , NM , TX
Native Distribution: W. TX to AZ & n. Mex.
Native Habitat: Dry hillsides, swales, rocky slopes, plains, mesas
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Cold Tolerant: yes
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Dry, rocky soils. Limestone-based, caliche type, sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, clay
Conditions Comments: Curlymesquite, one of the more palatable grass species, can be important for forage use in the desert Southwest. Responds well to disturbance, can be used as a grass mix in urban lawns. Requires no water and very little care.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Turf, Ground cover, Can be mowed
Use Wildlife: This is an important wildlife forage grass. Seeds for granivorous birds, provides nesting material.
Attracts: Birds
Deer Resistant: High
Last Update: 2007-10-12
