Cane Bluestem (Bothriochloa barbinodis)
Description:
Cane Bluestem is a tall, warm-season perennial grass that can grow up to 3-5 feet in height. It has a distinctive appearance with its cane-like stems and soft, fluffy seed heads that turn a silvery white as they mature. The leaves are long, narrow, and usually a vibrant green during the growing season.
Ecological Role:
Cane Bluestem is an important forage grass, particularly valued for its high nutritional content during the summer months. It provides excellent cover and nesting material for wildlife, including ground-nesting birds. The tall stature of Cane Bluestem also helps protect soil from erosion by slowing down wind and water movement across the landscape.
Adaptations:
Cane Bluestem is well-adapted to the variable rainfall patterns of the Gila region. It can thrive in both well-drained uplands and low-lying areas that may retain moisture longer. Its robust root system anchors the plant firmly in the soil, allowing it to survive in windy and exposed conditions.
Green Sprangletop (Leptochloa dubia)
Description:
Green Sprangletop is a perennial bunchgrass that typically grows 1-3 feet tall. It is characterized by its bright green, arching leaves and delicate, open seed heads that give the plant a graceful appearance. The seeds are small and borne on slender branches that spread out from the main stem.
Ecological Role:
Green Sprangletop is an essential component of the grasslands within the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. It provides forage for a wide range of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and birds, as well as for grazing livestock. The plant’s structure also offers protection and habitat for smaller creatures, such as insects and ground-nesting birds.
Adaptations:
This grass is highly tolerant of heat and drought, making it well-suited to the harsh climate of the region. It grows rapidly following summer rains, providing a quick and reliable source of forage. Green Sprangletop’s seeds are dispersed by wind and animals, allowing it to colonize new areas efficiently.
Invasive Grasses
Invasive grasses pose a significant threat to the native plant communities within the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. These non-native species often outcompete native grasses, leading to reduced biodiversity and altering the structure of the ecosystem. Some of the most problematic invasive grasses include:
-
Weeping Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula): Originally introduced for erosion control, this grass has become invasive in many areas, including the Gila. It spreads rapidly and forms dense stands that displace native vegetation.
-
Smooth Brome (Bromus inermis): A highly competitive grass that invades meadows and open areas, Smooth Brome can form monocultures, reducing the diversity of native plant species and negatively impacting wildlife habitat.
-
Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum): Although more commonly associated with other parts of the Southwest, Cheatgrass can be found in disturbed areas within the monument. It is highly flammable and increases the risk of wildfires, further threatening native ecosystems.
Efforts are ongoing to manage and control these invasive species within the monument. The removal of invasive grasses and the reseeding of native species are critical components of preserving the ecological integrity of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.