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(Hilaria belangeri)
Curly Mesquite (Hilaria belangeri)
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Patrick Alexander
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Patrick Alexander
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Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Patrick Alexander | License Type: CC0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0 | Uploader: Josve05a | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Hilaria belangeri, commonly known as Curly Mesquite, is a deciduous perennial grass native to semi-arid grasslands, open savannas, and desert scrub regions in the Southwestern USA and Northern Mexico. It typically forms dense tufts of stems that can reach up to about 30 cm in height and creates a sod-like ground cover. Curly Mesquite spreads primarily by stolons, which are horizontal above-ground stems that extend along the ground and root at nodes to produce new tufts. This vegetative growth allows the grass to spread rapidly, sometimes up to 4 meters in a single season, which compensates for its often sterile nature and rare seed formation.
Curly Mesquite is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making it useful for restoration projects and as a low-maintenance ground cover in xeriscaping. It is also used in pastures for grazing due to its resilience and ability to quickly regenerate. This grass is highly adaptable to a range of soil types and is drought-tolerant, going dormant during prolonged dry periods to conserve resources. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established, preferring soils with slow to medium drainage. While it is generally disease-free, overwatering can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Curly Mesquite is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making it useful for restoration projects and as a low-maintenance ground cover in xeriscaping. It is also used in pastures for grazing due to its resilience and ability to quickly regenerate. This grass is highly adaptable to a range of soil types and is drought-tolerant, going dormant during prolonged dry periods to conserve resources. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established, preferring soils with slow to medium drainage. While it is generally disease-free, overwatering can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 0.8-1 feet
- Width: 0.16-0.2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Slow, Medium
Common Uses
Deer Resistant, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Semi-arid grasslands, open savannas, and desert scrub regions
Other Names
Common Names: Curley-Mesquite Grass, Curlymesquite
Scientific Names: , Hilaria belangeri, Anthephora belangeri,
GBIF Accepted Name: Hilaria belangeri (Steud.) Nash