Stipa leucotricha Trin. and Rupr., Texas wintergrass 
DESCRIPTION 
Cool-season , short-lived, perennial bunch grass. 
Height: 2 to 3 feet. 
Leaf blade: Long; narrow. 
Leaf sheath: Longer than internodes ; basal sheaths enclose a 
nearly awnless self-pollinated seed called cleistogene. 
Seedhead: Open panicle; spikelets 1-seeded; lemma has awn 
6 to 10 inches long, rather stout, light colored, twisted like 
a rope in lower part. 
' GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS 
Makes most rapid growth in early fall before cold weather. 
Stays green and continues to grow through winter and spring 
until June. Becomes dormant during hot summer. Reproduces 
from seed. New plants are also established from cleistogenes 
(seed produced in axil of lower sheath and stem). Awns on seed 
twist and untwist as moisture changes. This characteristic and 
the needlelike end that holds the seed assist in planting the seed. 
Also seed become attached to the hair and wool of grazing ani- 
mals, which help distribute them. 
DISTRIBUTION 
Primarily, southwestern Oklahoma, central Texas, and central 
Mexico. 
SITE ADAPTATION 
Grows best on deep loam soils. 
USE AND MANAGEMENT 
Texas wintergrass is grazed by all livestock. It is good forage, 
primarily because it is green and succulent during winter when 
most other grasses are dormant. Because its foliage disintegrates 
rapidly at end of growing season, it is a poor grass for soil pro- 
tection. 
This grass is best managed for winter grazing. To prevent seed 
from injuring sheep and contaminating wool, remove sheep for 2 
to 3 weeks until seed ripen and fall to the ground. For maximum 
production, no more than 50 percent of current year’s growth by 
» weight should be grazed off. Periodic grazing deferments during 
growing season allow plants to remain vigorous and produce a 
seed crop. 
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