Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of native grasses, but one species that always stands out is Curly Mesquite Grass (Hilaria Belangeri). It’s a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, warm-season perennial that thrives in the arid and semi-arid regions of the Southern U.S., particularly in Texas and Northern Mexico. I get asked about this grass quite often, so I’ve put together this FAQ based on my personal experience.
What Is Curly Mesquite Grass?
Curly Mesquite Grass, or Hilaria Belangeri, is a warm-season bunchgrass known for its distinctive curly leaf blades and excellent drought resilience. It grows low to the ground, usually no more than 10 inches tall, and spreads by stolons rather than rhizomes. That’s part of what makes it ideal for pasture, erosion control, and low-maintenance turf in dry climates.
From my observation, it does well even during intense Texas summers, when most lawns struggle. Its fine texture and soft green-gray hue make it visually pleasing too.
Is Curly Mesquite Grass Good for Lawns?
Yes—and I say that with confidence. I’ve used it in both large ranch spaces and small xeriscape lawns. While it’s not the kind of lawn you’ll mow into a golf course, it’s perfect for naturalized, low-water landscapes. It requires very little irrigation once established and rarely needs mowing due to its low growth habit.
I’ve found that it pairs nicely with Buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides) or Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis) for a mixed-native look. These grasses also thrive in hot, dry environments and complement Curly Mesquite’s fine blades.
How Does It Compare to Buffalograss?
Buffalograss gets compared to Curly Mesquite Grass a lot. I’ve grown both side-by-side. Here’s my take:
- Water Use: Curly Mesquite is slightly more drought-tolerant.
- Growth Habit: Buffalograss forms tighter turf and is more dense.
- Appearance: Buffalograss has a broader blade; Curly Mesquite is finer and more textured.
- Shade Tolerance: Both need full sun, but Buffalograss may tolerate light shade a bit better.
- Maintenance: They’re both low-maintenance, but Buffalograss may need more grooming for a tidy lawn look.
Is Curly Mesquite Grass Native?
Yes. It’s native to Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and into Northern Mexico. In my view, that native status makes it a top candidate for restoration ecology, wildlife habitat, and sustainable landscaping. Native grasses like this support pollinators, improve soil structure, and require no fertilizers or pesticides.
How Do You Propagate Curly Mesquite Grass?
In my experience, stolon division is the best way. While it does produce seeds, they’re often hard to germinate and inconsistent. I usually cut small patches with existing stolons and replant them in rows about 8–12 inches apart. With some patience, they’ll fill in nicely.
For best results, plant in spring or early summer, and water lightly until established. Once it roots, reduce watering drastically—Curly Mesquite doesn’t like soggy soil.
Does It Work Well with Livestock?
Definitely. Hilaria Belangeri is a favorite forage grass for cattle, deer, and antelope. It’s not the highest in protein, but its palatability and persistence under grazing pressure make it excellent for rangeland. It can survive heavy grazing as long as it gets a break to regrow.
I’ve seen it flourish on rotational grazing systems, especially when mixed with sideoats grama or green sprangletop.
What Kind of Soil Does Curly Mesquite Prefer?
It thrives in well-drained, sandy loam, but I’ve seen it hold its own in rocky soils and shallow caliche too. What it won’t tolerate is heavy clay or consistently wet ground. If your soil doesn’t drain well, you’ll want to consider amending it or planting in raised mounds.
Its adaptability to alkaline soil makes it perfect for areas where other grasses fail.
Is It Good for Erosion Control?
Absolutely. One of the things I appreciate most about Curly Mesquite is its ability to stabilize fragile desert soils. Those long stolons form mats that keep soil in place during wind and water erosion events. I’ve used it on slopes, creek banks, and dryland restoration projects.
Can I Mix It With Wildflowers?
Yes, and you should! I often mix Curly Mesquite plugs with native wildflowers like Blackfoot Daisy (Melampodium leucanthum) or Engelmann Daisy (Engelmannia peristenia). It doesn’t outcompete the flowers, and the combo is great for pollinator gardens and habitat meadows.
The slow growth of Curly Mesquite allows other forbs and grasses to coexist peacefully, making it a great base species in prairie reconstruction.
Final Thoughts from Ferb Vu
If you’re in a dry, hot region and want a turfgrass that’s tough, low-maintenance, and ecologically smart, Curly Mesquite Grass is hard to beat. I’ve used it for everything from eco-lawns to pasture rehabilitation, and its performance always impresses.
It’s not flashy. You won’t find it at every nursery. But if you respect your climate and want a native solution that works with nature—not against it, then give Hilaria Belangeri a chance. You’ll be surprised by its quiet strength and resilience.
If i die, water my plants!
