Chaparral Germplasm Hairy Grama

Kika de la Garza Plant Materials Center, Kingsville

Introduction

Chaparral Germplasm hairy grama (Bouteloua hirsuta Lag. var. hirsuta) is a blend of 4 collections from the Rio Grande Plains of Texas. This release is a cooperative effort of South Texas Natives, the USDA-NRCS E. “Kika” de la Garza Plant Materials Center, and the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station in Beeville. Collections comprising Chaparral Germplasm were selected for long term survival, seed production and quality, and adaptation across the South Texas area.

Description

Chaparral Germplasm hairy grama is a warm season perennial grass native to southern Texas. The low-growing dense bunchgrass grows 1-2½ feet tall. The plants produce multiple seed heads, each bearing a spike containing 18-70 seeds. Chaparral Germplasm will flower and produce seed throughout the year. Individual plants are long lived.

Uses & Adaptation

Hairy grama is an important component of many range sites throughout South Texas. Chaparral Germplasm was developed for use in highway rights-of-way seeding, native rangeland restoration, and wildlife plantings in the Rio Grande Plains of Texas. Chaparral Gsermplasm will persist on sand, sandy loam, clay, and clay loam soil types. This germplasm is compatible in plantings with other native species. Chaparral Germplasm’s fast seed production, establishment, and spreading habit make it an excellent planting choice for highly disturbed sites like highway rights of way or areas susceptible to erosion. Chaparral Germplasm has shown good performance in the South Texas Plains, Gulf Prairie and Marshes, and Coastal Sand Plains regions of South Texas. Although testing in adjacent ecoregions is lacking, adaptability in eco-regions such as the southern Edwards Plateau and eastern Trans Pecos Mountains and Basins is possible but may be limited.

Seed Quality Traits

Seed quality averages 10% pure live seed. Active seed germination of Chaparral Germplasm is low, ranging from 2-12%; however, the tremendous number of seeds produced offsets its active seed germination rate. Chaparral Germplasm contains approximately 800,000 seeds per pound.

Planting Methods

Recommended rangeland seeding rate for pure stands is 1-2 pounds pure live seed per acre. Optimum planting time is from spring to early fall. When Chaparral Germplasm is used in a mixture, seeding rate should be adjusted according to the percentage of hairy grama desired on the site. Application of a seed coating is recommended to facilitate planting. Uncoated seed of Chaparral Germplasm tends to clump, making uniform planting distribution difficult. Coated seed can be drilled or broadcasted. Seed should not be planted deeper than ⅛ inch. Best results are possible in clean, well prepared seedbeds; however, Chaparral Germplasm will establish over time in existing vegetation. Plantings should be deferred from grazing or disturbance for 1 year after planting.

Management

Chaparral Germplasm has a good to fair grazing value, depending on the range site and soil type. Plants should be allowed to set seed yearly to ensure vigorous stands. Mowing or burning old growth while dormant helps to stimulate seed and forage production. Chaparral Germplasm can be mowed to 4 inches with no adverse effects.

Availability

Breeder seed of Chaparral Germplasm hairy grama is maintained by South Texas Natives in conjunction with the Texas Foundation Seed Service. Breeder seed can be obtained by contacting South Texas Natives.

For More Information

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Chaparral Germplasm Hairy Grama

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