Grass Description
Northern part of Yavapai county on dry hills and sandy plains and in rocky canyons. Grows in heavy soils.
General Description
Seedhead stems are erect. The base of the plant is highly branched. Plants are found in dense patches due to the presence of rhizomes or stolons. This grass becomes coarse when not grazed or burned.
Spikelets 3 per node, glumes of lateral spikelets narrowed toward their apex, not fan-like; lower stem internodes without hairs, stem nodes are usually hairy.
Flower Characteristics
Spikelets are bearded at their bases, sessile in groups of 3 and appressed to the inflorescence stem; lateral spikelets have 3 staminate florets; the central spikelet has one bisexual floret. First glume of lateral spikelets is awned on its back.
Vegetative Characteristics
Blades are 1 to 2 inches long and 1/8 inch wide, curled and rolled inward when dry.
The forage value is good for livestock and wildlife when the blades are green, poor to fair when dry.