Photo courtesy of Dr. James Bowns, Southern Utah University
Common Name(s):
Photo courtesy of Dr. James Bowns, Southern Utah University
Scientific Name(s):
Hilaria rigida (Thurb.) Benth. Ex Scribn.
Symbol:
Description:
Growth Characteristics: Big galleta is a native perennial grass. It is highly branched at the base, giving it a bush-like appearance. Big galleta's clumped growth form is a result of the tillers or short rhizomes it produces. Its root system tends to be shallow and extends radially from the base of the plant. Big galleta primarily reproduces by rhizomes, and most likely by tillering as well. Little information is available on germination characteristics of big galleta. Seed production is generally very poor and seedling establishment appears to be rare. Big galleta generally undergoes 2 major growth periods, coinciding with the typical bimodal rainfall patterns within its area of distribution. It also can complete its life cycle rapidly in response to periodic rains. Big galleta typically flowers from February through June in the Mohave Desert
Leaves: Leaves are blue-green, coarse, nearly straight, and fairly wide. The edges are sometimes rolled. They are attached both at the base of the plant and along the upright stems that bear seedheads. The leaf blades may be partly covered with short, light wooly fuzz. The leaves form a dense clump that can be up to 3 feet tall by 4 feet wide.
Ecological Adaptations:
Big galleta's range extends from southern Utah, Colorado, and Nevada south through California and Arizona and into northern Mexico. In Utah, it is very common on the sand dunes in Washington and Kane counties.
Associated Species: creosotebush, white bursage, blackbrush, Joshua tree, yucca, range ratany, winterfat, brittle bush, ephedra, wolfberry, globemallow.