Tanglehead
Heteropogon contortus
Poaceae
Description
This bunchgrass grows in erect tufts. The round reproductive shoot emerges from a flattened base. Sheaths are flat and overlapping. Florets are 2 to 4 inches long, brown, fuzzy, twisted, and have a single awn. Awns are tangled and bent. At maturity the foliage turns reddish brown with straw yellow stems and tastes like molasses.
Tanglehead is a perennial, warm-season, native - 12 to 42 inches tall.
Good grazing for livestock. Poor grazing for wildlife.
Habitat
Grows on rocky hills and ridges and along railroad right-of-ways.
Images
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial
Stem Texture: Hairless/Smooth
Growth Habit: Bunch grass, Grasses
Season: Warm
Distribution
: 02 - Gulf Prairies and Marshes, 06 - South Texas Plains, 07 - Edwards Plateau, 10 - Trans-Pecos
Distributions
Distribution refers to the ecological region in Texas that a plant has been found. You can also view a clickable map.
Book: Know Your Grasses (B-182)
Collection: Grasses
