New Mexico State University
College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences | ACES
NMSU: Selected Plants of Navajo Rangelands

Selected Plants of Navajo Rangelands

Diné bikéyah Chi’l nooséłígíí Bąąhą́ą́nosin
Take care of our Navajo Rangelands

Muhly, sandhill

(a.k.a. wickiup grass)
Béé’ézhóó’
Bunchy growth habit. The grass can form mats in sandy soils.
Matt Lavin

Sandhill muhly, often found in or near blowout or dune areas on sandy sites, is a perennial bunchgrass 4 to 24 inches tall. It often forms large, rounded clumps or rings, dying out in the center. It reproduces by rhizomes and seed. Sandhill muhly has little value as forage for livestock or wild grazers. It is effective in controlling wind erosion in very sandy areas.

Dense, fibrous nature of the grass with its spines and tough leaf blades
Matt Lavin
Spiny leaf tips
Matt Lavin
Herbarium photo of a clump of grass showing leaves and copious seedheads
Arizona State University Herbarium
Scientific Name
Muhlenbergia pungens
Plant Type
Grass / Grasslike
Growing Season
Warm Season
Habitat
Grasslands
Other Traits
✓
Controls wind erosion on sand

For definitions, see the glossary.

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Individual photographers retain all rights to their images.
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