Sonoran Desert Grasses

Deer Grass

Muhlenbergia rigens

Purple Three-awn

Aristida purpurea

Robust perennial grass growing along washes in canyons. Also widely used as an ornamental in xeriscape plantings in Sonoran Desert. This photo was taken at the Springs Preserve garden in Las Vegas, Nevada, by Wikipedia User:Stan Shebs hosted at Wikimedia where there are additional images of Grass species.      Detailed Description

Perennial or long-lived annual with feathery, purple-hued inflorescences. Common along desert washes and roadsides. Also commonly used in native Sonoran Desert landscaping.      Detailed Description

Big Galeta

Pleuraphis rigida

Buffel Grass

Pennisetum ciliare

Shrubby, perennial grass of sand dune areas or rocky slopes. Fairly common in the Sonoran Desert.    Detailed Description

Perennial and highly invasive weed in the Sonoran Desert. Maroon colored spikes; can bloom almost anytime of year. Grows on rocky slopes and at roadsides and may appear shrubby.      Detailed Description

Bush Muhly

Muhlenbergia porteri

Fountain Grass

Pennisetum setaceum

Beautiful, shrubby perennial grass found on rocky slopes in the Sonoran Desert. Open panicle inflorescence with burgandy spikelets.    Detailed Description

Large perennial grass widely planted for its ornamental value in Sonoran Desert urban xeriscapes. Unfortunately it is not native and has begun invading natural desert areas as at roadsides and along major washes. Tall, purple-maroon spikes.    Detailed Description