Arizona Range Grasses
Their Description, Forage Value, and Grazing Management
Cooperative Extension,College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, The University of Arizona

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SLENDER GRAMA
Bouteloua hirsuta Lag.

Figure 17.—Slender grama (Bouteloua repens) View Larger Image Click Here

Description

Growth habit: Small, fine-stemmed perennial bunchgrass, 12 to 18 inches tall.
Color: Bright green, curing to yellow or gray.
Leaves: Very narrow, 1/16 to 2/16 inch wide, borne at the base of the plant. As they mature they become very curly.
Inflorescence: Three to seven or more hanging non-comb-like spikes are borne along one side of the flower stalk. These are not hairy as in sprucetop grama. They drop from the plant at maturity
Season: Warm Season
Origin: Native

Occurrence

Mohave, Greenlee, Graham, Pinal, Cochise, Santa Cruz and Pima counties below 5,000 feet. It is most common on sandy or rocky soils on plains and foothills.

Forage Value

Slender grama is one of the most palatable range grasses in the state. Like most of the grama grasses, it cures well and is moderately palatable even when dry.

Grazing Management

Slender grama stands up well under moderate grazing. It withstands close grazing when this is not continued for too long a period and growing season deferment is provided.

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Document located http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/natresources/az1272/
published 2002
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