Streambed Bristlegrass

Setaria leucopila

Native to:
Argentina, Mexico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Setaria
Species:
Setaria leucopila
USDA Symbol:
SELE6

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
90 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct,nov
Bloom Colors:
green, yellow

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from base after fire; typical warm-season grass fire response.

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:
native to arid and semi-arid regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily with warm temperatures and adequate moisture.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Warm stratification at 45°C/15°C for 8 and 16 hours respectively for 15 days or scarification by rubbing seeds about 15 times between two sheets of sandpaper

Establishment: Seeds are ripe when the culm and seeds have turned a creamy white color. If they are green, they are not yet ripe. Seeds can be collected by running fingers along the seed head to scrape off the seeds. Seeds should pop off fairly easily with firm pressure from fingernails.

Source: npn.rngr.net