Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness
Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department
of Natural Sciences
Hilaria mutica (Buckley) Bentham
(Tobosa)
Family: Poaceae
Status: Native
Synonyms:
I>Pleuraphis mutica Buckley
Hilaria mutica is a rhizomatous perennial with spikelets that occur in threes. The glumes
are distinct in that they are shaped like a fan and widest at the apex. In the winter, Hilaria mutica can form large pale brownish gray stands that are easily recognizable. Individual plants are onion or turnip shaped, with the culms arcing outwards from the base and then back in towards the apex.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Hilaria mutica, photo Russ Kleinman, Silver City, Sept. 3, 2007
Hilaria mutica, detail of spike, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Saddlerock Cyn., Nov. 7, 2007
Hilaria mutica, fan-shaped glumes, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Saddlerock Cyn., Nov. 7, 2007
Hilaria mutica, full field, photo Russ Kleinman, Tyrone, Aug. 12, 2008
Hilaria mutica, closeup of spike, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Hwy 180N in Little Burro Mtns., July 29, 2009
Hilaria mutica, winter appearance, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Road, February 19, 2010
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