Modest Prickle Grass

Sporobolus niliacus

Native to:
Algeria, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon-Syria, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mozambique, Pakistan, Palestine, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan-South Sudan, Tanzania, Yemen

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Sporobolus
Species:
Sporobolus niliacus
USDA Symbol:
CRVA2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
60 cm
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jul,aug,sep,oct

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts vigorously from the base after fire; typical of warm-season grasses adapted to periodic burning.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid regions, prefers open habitats

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily in warm conditions with light. Surface sow and keep moist.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI