Trichloris pluriflora Fourit., fourflower trichloris 
DESCRIPTION 
Warm-season, erect, tufted perennial. 
Height: 1 to 2 feet. 
Leaf blade: Wide ; flat ; strong midrib. 
Leaf sheath: Open ; shorter than internodes. 
Ligule: Few long hairs. 
Stem: Branches at lower nodes; nodes enlarged. 
Seedhead: Several spikes 2 to 3 inches long; looser and less 
feathery than twoflower trichloris ; spikelets 3- to 5- 
flowered, usually 4-flowered, thus the common name. 
GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS 
Growth starts in late spring. Grows throughout summer if 
moisture is available. Produces seed several times in one season. 
Has a shallow, fibrous root system. The high ratio of seedstalks 
to leaves and the unpalatable stems help protect plant from close 
grazing. Growing points are 3 to 4 inches above ground. 
DISTRIBUTION 
Primarily in Rio Grande plains of south Texas, prairies along 
gulf coast of Texas and Louisiana, and south to Mexico. 
SITE ADAPTATION 
Best adapted to sandy loam soils but grows on heavier soils. 
USE AND MANAGEMENT 
Fourflower trichloris is grazed by livestock and occasionally by 
deer. Birds eat the seed. 
This grass is a decreaser on ranges grazed throughout the sum- 
mer. Periodic grazing deferments of 60 to 70 days throughout 
the year, especially during spring and summer, are needed to 
maintain plant vigor. 
195 
