Piptochaetium fimbriatum, commonly known as Pinyon Ricegrass, is a deciduous perennial grass native to the semi-arid grasslands and open woodlands of the Southwestern United States and Mexico. It typically grows to a height and width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). Pinyon Ricegrass has a clumping form with narrow, rolled leaves and produces delicate, airy seed heads that are attractive when backlit by the sun. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer, and the flowers are not particularly showy, but they do add a fine-textured element to the landscape.

Pinyon Ricegrass is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is often used for erosion control, as a ground cover, and in restoration projects where low water use is a priority. This grass prefers full sun to part shade and is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Pinyon Ricegrass is not commonly affected by diseases or pests, but overwatering can lead to root rot. It is also important to note that this grass is not aggressive and does not pose a threat of invasiveness when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0