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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TUMBLEGRASS
Schedonnardus paniculatus (Nutt.) Trel

Description

Growth habit: A slender, low-growing, freely branching perennial bunchgrass, 6 to 20 inches tall; tends to grow in scattered bunches.
Color: Light green, often appearing almost silvery after the lightcolored awns mature.
Leaves: Short and flat, often spirally twisted, about 1/16 inch wide.
Inflorescence: In this grass the fruiting portion of the plant can hardly appear to be an inflorescence. The individual side branches on the flower stalk are widely spaced and so slender as to be almost threadlike. On maturity the whole fruiting portion breaks off and is tumbled about by the wind.
Season: Warm Season
Origin: Native

Figure 61.—Tumblegrass (Schedonnardus paniculatus). View Larger Image Click Here

Occurrence

Most common in northern Arizona; has been reported from Apache, Navajo, Coconino, Yavapai and Cochise counties. This grass is generally found on open mesas and dry, open woodlands at elevations from 3,500 to 7,000 feet.

Forage Value

Tumblegrass has a low palatability and produces a small volume of forage. As a consequence it has little value as a forage producer.

Grazing Management

Grazing management should focus on associated grasses that may be more appropriate as key species than tumblegrass.

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