Burrograss: The Tough Native Grass Perfect for Water-Wise Gardens
If you’re looking for a hardy, drought-tolerant grass that can handle the toughest conditions while staying true to your region’s natural heritage, meet burrograss (Scleropogon brevifolius). This scrappy little native might not win any beauty contests, but it’s got character and staying power that’ll make you appreciate its understated charm.
What is Burrograss?
Burrograss is a perennial grass native to the southwestern United States. Don’t let its humble appearance fool you – this tough customer has earned its place in the native plant world through sheer determination and adaptability. As a true graminoid (that’s fancy talk for grass-like plants), it forms low, spreading clumps that create a natural carpet across the landscape.
You might occasionally see it listed under its synonym Scleropogon longisetus, but burrograss is the name that’s stuck – and honestly, it’s pretty fitting when you see how this plant can handle rough conditions that would make other grasses wave the white flag.
Where Does Burrograss Call Home?
This native beauty spans across eight states in the American Southwest and beyond: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah. It’s particularly at home in desert regions where it has learned to thrive in conditions that would challenge most other plants.
Why You Might Want Burrograss in Your Garden
Here’s where burrograss really shines – it’s the ultimate low-maintenance, water-wise choice for gardeners who want to work with nature instead of against it:
- Drought Champion: Once established, burrograss laughs in the face of dry conditions
- Native Pride: Supporting local ecosystems by choosing plants that belong in your region
- Low Maintenance: Perfect for busy gardeners or those who prefer a hands-off approach
- Erosion Control: Those spreading roots help hold soil in place on slopes or problem areas
- Ground Cover: Creates natural carpets that suppress weeds
The Perfect Spot for Burrograss
Burrograss is happiest in full sun where it can soak up all those rays. It prefers well-draining soils and actually does well in alkaline conditions – a real plus if you’re dealing with challenging soil that makes other plants sulk.
This grass is hardy in USDA zones 7-10, making it suitable for much of the southwestern United States where it naturally occurs. It’s particularly well-suited for:
- Xeriscaping projects
- Desert gardens
- Low-water landscapes
- Naturalistic designs that mimic native grasslands
- Areas where you need tough ground cover
Growing Burrograss Successfully
The best part about burrograss? It’s pretty much a plant it and forget it kind of grass once it gets going. Here’s how to give it the best start:
Planting: Spring is ideal for getting burrograss established. Make sure your soil drains well – this grass doesn’t appreciate soggy feet. If you have heavy clay soil, consider amending with sand or gravel to improve drainage.
Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish roots, then back off. Mature burrograss is incredibly drought tolerant and actually prefers to stay on the dry side.
Care: This is where burrograss really earns its keep – it needs virtually no care once established. No fertilizing, minimal pruning, and it’s generally pest and disease free.
What to Expect
Burrograss forms low, spreading clumps that gradually fill in to create a natural ground cover. It spreads by stolons (above-ground runners), so be patient – it may take a couple of seasons to really fill in, but the wait is worth it for the low-maintenance payoff.
As a wind-pollinated grass, it won’t be buzzing with bees and butterflies, but it serves an important role in native ecosystems and provides habitat for various wildlife species.
The Bottom Line
Burrograss might not be the flashiest plant in the garden center, but for water-wise gardeners looking for a reliable, native ground cover that can handle tough conditions, it’s a solid choice. It’s particularly valuable for those challenging spots where other plants struggle – think slopes, poor soils, or areas where you want coverage without the fuss.
If you’re committed to supporting native plant communities and creating sustainable landscapes that work with your local climate, burrograss deserves a spot on your consideration list. Just remember: this grass is all about function over form, but sometimes that’s exactly what your landscape needs.
