Big Galleta
Hilaria rigida
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
iNaturalist: © stevejones (iNaturalist #3770337)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Hilaria
- Species:
- Hilaria rigida
- USDA Symbol:
- PLRI3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from rhizomes after fire; fire can reduce competition and promote vigor.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- adapted to arid desert conditions
Propagation & Germination
Pre-treatment: Seeds are soaked in water to remove any inhibitors and allow full imbibition. Seeds are then placed between sheets of blotter paper in nursery flats and wrapped in plastic bags to prevent desiccation.
Establishment: Seeds are hand collected in late spring when inflorescences have matured. The plant is common in sandy places below 4,000 ft elevation in the Mojave and Colorado deserts from southern California to Utah and Arizona and Sonora, Mexico.
Source: npn.rngr.net
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Native Seed Group (seeds)