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Arizona
Range Grasses Back to the Table of Contents
Description Growth habit: Small perennial bunchgrass, 10 to
18 inches tall.
Occurrence Rather common in Cochise, Santa Cruz and Pima counties
at elevations between 2,500 and 6,000 feet. This grama occurs most commonly
on dry rocky slopes and rolling desert grasslands with fine-textured
soils.
Forage Value One of the most palatable grasses of the state. Because
of its small size, it produces less forage than most of our perennial
grasses.
Sprucetop grama is most palatable during the summer rainy
season. It cures exceptionally well, retaining a high percentage of
its nutritive value when dry. Because of the curing qualities of this
grass, ranges where it is abundant are well suited for use during the
dormant season. When grazed during the growing season, some of the seed stalks should be left for seed production, to maintain plant vigor and occasional summer deferment allowed. When grazed after the plants have matured, somewhat heavier use is possible.
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Cooperative
Extension,College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, The University of
Arizona