Curly-Mesquite
Hilaria belangeri
Observed at Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, Cave Creek, Maricopa Co., Arizona. Oct 2009.
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This small bunch grass is easily recognized by the characteristic stolons. Smooth and wiry arches loop several centimeters away from the parent plant, root, and begin a new bunch. Where the Sonoran Desert meets desert grassland habitat along eastern and southeastern Arizona this grass will be found where excessive grazing has been curtailed. Also found eastward into Chihuahuan Desert and grasslands. Blooms are narrow spikes and appear late summer and fall after monsoon moisture has delivered some thunderstorms. Plants are generally less than 10 cm tall.