Galleta grass

Pleuraphis jamesii

Formerly Hilaria jamesii. Warm season, rhizomatous, bunchy sod-former found on a wide variety of well-drained soils, preferring neutral to moderately alkaline soils.   Drought tolerant and slow to establish. Begins growth early, maturing in early summer. Widespread, occurring in various types of plant community types with annual precipitation sometimes as low as 5 in. Often a dominant or co-dominant throughout its range; 3,500-7,500 ft. elevation. Moderate palatability. Excellent for semi-desert rehabilitation, erosion control, mine reclamation and groundcover in heavy traffic areas. Desirable forage livestock and also grazed by deer, antelope and desert bighorn sheep.