Burrograss: The Tough-as-Nails Native Grass for Challenging Landscapes
If you’re looking for a grass that can handle just about anything Mother Nature throws at it, let me introduce you to burrograss (Scleropogon). This scrappy little native perennial grass might not win any beauty contests, but what it lacks in flashiness, it more than makes up for in pure determination and usefulness.
What Exactly Is Burrograss?
Burrograss is a low-growing, perennial grass that’s as tough as its name suggests. This native grass forms dense, spreading clumps that create natural ground cover across some of America’s most challenging landscapes. It’s part of the grass family, which means it has that familiar grass-like appearance, but don’t expect the manicured look of your typical lawn grass.
Where Does Burrograss Call Home?
This hardy native grass is right at home across the American Southwest and parts of the Great Plains. You’ll find burrograss naturally growing in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah. It thrives in those hot, dry regions where many other plants simply give up.
Should You Plant Burrograss in Your Garden?
Here’s the honest truth about burrograss: it’s not for everyone, but it might be perfect for your specific situation. Let’s break down when this grass makes sense and when you might want to look elsewhere.
When Burrograss Shines
- You’re dealing with poor, alkaline soils that challenge other plants
- Water conservation is a priority in your landscape
- You need erosion control on slopes or difficult terrain
- You’re creating a naturalistic, low-maintenance native plant garden
- You live in USDA hardiness zones 7-10
When You Might Want Alternatives
- You’re looking for a showstopper with dramatic flowers or colorful foliage
- You need a formal, manicured grass for high-visibility areas
- Your garden has rich, moist soil where more ornamental options would thrive
- You live outside its natural range and hardiness zones
Growing Burrograss Successfully
The beauty of burrograss lies in its simplicity. This is a plant that actually prefers to be left alone once it’s established. Here’s how to give it the best start:
Light Requirements: Full sun is best, though it can tolerate some light shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil is essential. Burrograss actually prefers poorer soils and handles alkaline conditions better than most grasses
Water Wisdom: Once established, this drought-tolerant champion needs minimal supplemental watering. Overwatering can actually harm it
Planting Tips: Plant in spring after the last frost. Space plants according to how quickly you want coverage – closer spacing fills in faster
Maintenance Made Easy
One of burrograss’s best qualities is how little fuss it requires. Here’s your minimal maintenance routine:
- Water regularly only during the first growing season to establish roots
- After establishment, water only during extended dry periods
- No fertilizing needed – it actually prefers lean soil
- Occasional cleanup of dead material is all the grooming required
The Role of Burrograss in Your Landscape
Think of burrograss as the reliable workhorse of your native plant palette. It won’t steal the show, but it provides valuable supporting roles:
- Ground cover in challenging spots where other plants struggle
- Erosion control on slopes and disturbed areas
- Texture contrast in native plant combinations
- Habitat for small wildlife and beneficial insects
Wildlife and Environmental Benefits
While burrograss might not be a pollinator magnet like wildflowers, it serves important ecological functions. As a native grass, it provides habitat structure for small wildlife, helps prevent soil erosion, and supports the natural ecosystem balance in its native range.
The Bottom Line on Burrograss
Burrograss isn’t going to be the star of your garden Instagram photos, but if you need a tough, reliable, water-wise ground cover that can handle difficult conditions, it’s hard to beat. This native grass proves that sometimes the most valuable plants are the ones that simply get the job done without any drama.
Consider burrograss for xeriscaping projects, erosion control, or anywhere you need low-maintenance coverage in challenging conditions. Just remember – this grass thrives on neglect, so resist the urge to pamper it. Sometimes the best gardening advice is simply to plant it and leave it alone.
