Bouteloua hirsuta Lag., hairy grama 
DESCRIPTION 
Warm-season, perennial. 
Height: 10 to 20 inches. 
Leaf blade: Flat or slightly rolled; narrow; mostly basal; 
margins hairy. 
Leaf sheath: Rounded; smooth; shorter than internodes. 
Seedhead: 1 to 4 spikes, purplish before maturity, about 1 
inch long ; rachis extends beyond v spikelets, resembling a 
bee's stinger. 
GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS 
Makes little growth before summer rains begin. If moisture is 
adequate, matures rapidly. During exceptionally dry years, pro- 
duces little forage but withstands drought well. Reproduces from 
axillary buds at basal nodes, from short stolons in some localities, 
and from seed. In northern part of range, this grass usually has 
only 1 or 2 spikes per seedhead and short stolons which form a 
sod. Further south, it grows taller, more like a bunch grass, and 
has 2 to 4 spikes per seedhead. A tall variety ( B . hirsuta pectin- 
ata ) grows mostly in central Texas. 
DISTRIBUTION 
Throughout Southwest, north to Wisconsin and North Dakota, 
in central Florida, and in almost pure stands on mesas in central 
Mexico. 
SITE ADAPTATION 
Adapted to sandy and sandy loam soils and gravelly loams. 
Does well on soils neutral to slightly calcareous. Often associated 
with blue grama but is more drought resistant. 
USE AND MANAGEMENT 
Hairy grama is used primarily for grazing and withstands it 
well. Most livestock graze it readily any season. It makes espe- 
cially good winter forage because it cures well. It is not consid- 
ered a hay grass. 
This grass yields more if it is not overgrazed and grazing is de- 
ferred every 2 to 3 years during period of most active growth. 
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