Burrograss

Scleropogon brevifolius

Poaceae


Description

Stems grow from fuzzy, scaly rhizomes, but also has wiry stolons that creep and take root at the nodes. Leaves are basal, flat, sharp pointed, and twisted. Ligule is a minute fringe of hairs. Male and female plants grow in separate colonies. The female resembles a threeawn and varies from pale green to reddish purple. The male has pale, overlapping, awnless spikelets.

Burrograss is a perennial, warm-season, native - 6 to 12 inches tall.

Poor grazing for livestock and wildlife.


Habitat

Grows in semi-arid plains, dry flats and valleys. Has low palatability and increases on overgrazed ranges and sterile soil.


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