24 



Fig. 18. HILARIA CENCHROIDES H. B. K. Nov. Gen. et Sp. PL 1: 117.^57. 

 1815. CREEPING or CURLY MESQUITE.— A slender, creeping perennial, v.-ith 

 upright leafy branches 1-3 dm. (4'-12') high, and slender spikes 3-4 cm. (l'-2') 

 long. Spikelets in groups of threes (o) connate below, the outer ones (b) 

 staminate, the central inner one (d) pistillate, not hairy at the base. A 

 staminate spikelet with the outer glumes removed is shown at c— Dry prairies, 

 mesas, and foothills, Texas to Arizona (Mexico). April to October. 



One of the most valuable of the native grasses for grazing. 



