Tobosa Grass
Pleuraphis mutica
(Hilaria mutica)
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Blooming plants observed near New River, Maricopa Co., Arizona, USA. 22 Feb. 2015.
PERENNIAL GRASS: The tough rhizomes form a clump from which new
growth appears following rains.
LEAVES: About 3 mm wide.
STEMS/CULMS: Rarely taller than a meter. The old growth from prior periods of growth acts as a parasol agains blistering summer sunshine.
FLOWERS: Spikes are about 8 cm tall with short lateral spikelets.
RANGE: In the Sonoran Desert this perennial is found on spots that are occasionally
flooded for short periods after storms and thus have a high clay content. Its distribution
includes southern Texas and northern Mexico.