Pleuraphis jamesii, Galleta Grass
(old nomenclature: Hilaria jamesii) (Native)

Short to medium height, 6 – 24 inches tall, drought-tolerant, perennial, warm-season, rhizomatous, bunchy, sod-forming grass.  Adapted to all soil textures.  Moderately tolerant of saline and alkaline soils.  Cold-tolerant and winter-hardy.  Moderately palatable and tolerant to grazing.  Very valuable and readily used species for range, watershed and wildlife habitat improvement projects and for disturbed site revegetation.  Minimum precip. is 5 – 8 inches.  Plant spring/summer ½ – ¾ inch deep.  159,000 seeds/lb. (florets), 470,000 seeds/lb. (caryopsis).

Named Release: ‘Viva’ (Cultivar) Released in 1979 by the NM/CO AES and NRCS. Origin was from a native population near Kirk, NM at near 5700 ft. and 13 inches precip. Selected for improved seedling vigor, forage production, and seed production. Excellent cold and drought-tolerance. Very valuable for restoration of adapted sites.

USDA: Plant Profile | Plant Guide