Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Sporobolus flexuosus is a species of grass known by the common name mesa dropseed. It is native to western North America, where it can be found in the deserts and woodlands of the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico. This bunchgrass forms a tuft of stems growing up to a meter long, erect to decumbent in form. It is a perennial grass but it is short-lived and is sometimes an annual. The leaves are up to 26 centimeters long and rough-haired along the margins. The inflorescence is an open panicle of spreading branches bearing grayish spikelets.

Plant type

Grass

Size

3 ft Tall

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Moderate

Calscape icon
Color

Yellow

Flowering season

Spring

Soil description

Prefers sandy or loamy soils. Does not grow well in clay soils.

Plant communities

Creosote Bush Scrub

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 1 likely

Confirmed Likely

Sandhill Skipper

Polites sabuleti