Texas cupgrass
Eriochloa sericea
Poaceae
Description
Stems grow in large tufts. Bases of stems feel like lead pencils. The blades are soft and lax. The ligule is a dense ring of straight hairs. The pale seed head has rows of fuzzy seeds borne on very short, hairy stems. Seeds are set in cups with ring-like bases.
Texas cupgrass is a perennial, warm-season, native - 12 to 48 inches tall.
Good grazing for livestock. Fair grazing for wildlife.
Habitat
Grows best on hills and ridges, mostly in protected, moist areas. Decreases with heavy grazing but will increase with proper use.
Images
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial
Stem Texture: Hairy
Growth Habit: Bunch grass, Grasses
Season: Warm
Distribution : 02 - Gulf Prairies and Marshes, 04 - Blackland Prairies, 05 - Cross Timbers and Prairies, 06 - South Texas Plains, 07 - Edwards Plateau, 08 - Rolling Plains
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