Names
Scientific Name: Bouteloua trifida
Synonym:
Common Names: Red grama
Characteristics
Duration: Perennial
Growth Habit: Grass
Arizona Native Status: Native
Habitat: Dry, rocky, gravelly soils
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: March to June
Height: 5 to 10 inches
Description: Numerous single stems protrude from red grama’s base. The leaves are short and narrow, either flat or lightly rolled with a rough surface and hairs along the margin. The seedhead is purplish and composed of about 12 spikelets. Each spikelet contains about 3 awns at its tip.
Special Characteristics
In optimal conditions, seeds appear on red grama within 6 weeks after growth begins. This grass provides forage for livestock and wildlife.
Classification
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
SOURCES:
University of Austin, Lady Bird Johnson wildflower center: wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=BOTR2
Magee, Percy. Red grams, Bouteloua trifida. USDA NRCS plant fact sheet. Retrieved from: plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_botr2.pdf
