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(Hilaria rigida)
Big Galleta (Hilaria rigida)
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Jean Pawek
CC BY 3.0
Image By:
Jean Pawek
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Copyright:
CC BY 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Jean Pawek | License Type: CC BY 3.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ | Attribution: 2017 Jean Pawek | Publisher: Calphotos |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Hilaria rigida, commonly known as Big Galleta, is a long-lived, shrubby or bushy, clumping perennial grass. It is native to desert scrub and grasslands, particularly in the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico. Big Galleta produces coarse, erect stems that can reach up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) in height and forms grayish, hairy, open, erect hummocks and clumps. These clumps can live for more than a century, demonstrating the plant’s resilience. The grass spreads from hard, woody rhizomes and may also reproduce by tillering, with a bush-like appearance due to heavy branching at the base. It is highly drought-tolerant and exhibits rapid growth following rainfall. Big Galleta experiences two major growth periods: one after winter rains and another following summer monsoons. It is notably efficient at extracting water from dry soil. The inflorescence consists of hairy or brush-like rectangular spikelets, which occur in clusters of three and measure between 2 and 3 inches (5.1 and 7.6 cm). Flowering occurs variably from December to June, depending on the region.
Big Galleta is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to control erosion, making it a suitable choice for revegetation projects in arid environments. It thrives in full sun and requires minimal water, preferring soils with fast drainage. While it is not commonly used in ornamental gardening, its utility in restoration and xeriscaping is significant. Gardeners should note that Big Galleta’s extensive rhizome system can make it difficult to remove once established.CC BY-SA 4.0
Big Galleta is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to control erosion, making it a suitable choice for revegetation projects in arid environments. It thrives in full sun and requires minimal water, preferring soils with fast drainage. While it is not commonly used in ornamental gardening, its utility in restoration and xeriscaping is significant. Gardeners should note that Big Galleta’s extensive rhizome system can make it difficult to remove once established.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 0.5-3 feet
- Width: 1.5-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to desert scrub and grasslands in the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Pleuraphis rigida, Hilaria rigida,
GBIF Accepted Name: Hilaria rigida (Thurb.) Benth. ex Scribn.