Woolyspike Balsamscale
Elionurus barbiculmis

Family: Poaceae

Tufted perennial grass with slender, erect stems to about 2-3’ tall. Bloom spikes begin to appear in July and on into Octuber.

Distinguished by being an erect perennial with solitary, cylindrical, densely long-haired spikes terminating the culms; rolled and long, linear leaf blades; and appressed glumes with the tinge of red on the margins. The hairy spikes often have a yellowish or straw-colored hue making this plant recognizable from afar.

Full sun to shade, best on irrigation.

Elionurus is from the Greek eluein, mouse, and oura, tail, alluding to the narrowly cylindrical inflorescence, while barbiculmis means bearded stem. There are 17 species of Elionurus native to neotropical regions of the world.

Dry rocky slopes, on hills, and in canyons; 4,000-6,000 ft. in southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, southwestern Texas; south into central Mexico.

Photo by Sue Carnahan, SEINET
Elionurus barbiculmis on iNaturalist