Hilaria mutica (Buckl.) Benth., tobosagrass 
DESCRIPTION 
Warm-season, rhizomatous perennial. 
Height: 18 to 36 inches. 
Leaf blade : Flat or somewhat rolled inward. 
Leaf sheath: Shorter than internodes. 
Stem: Twists and curves inward at top at maturity; nodes 
hairy. 
Seedhead: Spike 1-1/2 to 2 inches long; spikelets bearded at 
base, whitish at maturity. 
GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS 
Grows and spreads from vigorous scaly rhizomes. This grass is 
a low seed producer. On some sites, it forms a sod; on others, it 
grows more like a bunch grass. Stems and leaves green up after 
long dormant periods. Gray-white leaves and stems tend to tangle 
at maturity. Often grows in pure stands. 
DISTRIBUTION 
Central Texas to California, north to Oklahoma and Colorado; 
in northern Mexico. 
SITE ADAPTATION 
Grows best on adobe (clay) flats and upland clay loams, giving 
rise to the common name, tobosa flats. Occasionally grows on 
loams or sandy loams and on slopes. 
USE AND MANAGEMENT 
Tobosagrass is grazed by cattle and horses. It makes good qual- 
ity hay if cut about the time seedheads appear, generally July. 
Because this grass is less palatable than blue grama and side- 
oats grama, two associated climax grasses, it increases under 
continuous grazing. It responds readily to extra moisture during 
growing season. Water spreading on some sites increases produc- 
tion. Overgrazing kills this grass. 
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