How much sun does Burro Grass need?

Burro Grass grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Burro Grass bloom?

Burro Grass blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Burro Grass native?

Burro Grass (Scleropogon brevifolius) is native to AZ, CA, CO, NM and 3 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Burro Grass HOA-friendly?

Burro Grass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Burro Grass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Scleropogon brevifolius

Last reviewed: October 2026

Toxicity unknown

Burro Grass (Scleropogon brevifolius) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–9" H × 3"–6" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, NM and 3 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Burro Grass.

Try it with your yard

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range North American Deserts Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Edwards Plateau Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range

Burro Grass is a low-growing native grass that forms small, compact clumps in hot, dry conditions. This drought-tolerant perennial produces delicate seed heads during summer months and goes dormant in winter.

In an HOA neighborhood

Burro Grass is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, mid zone.

Cut back in late winter

Wildlife value

This grass provides seed for small birds and ground-dwelling wildlife. While not a major pollinator plant, it offers habitat structure for beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Burro Grass need?: Burro Grass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Burro Grass bloom?: Burro Grass blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Burro Grass native?: Burro Grass (Scleropogon brevifolius) is native to AZ, CA, CO, NM and 3 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Burro Grass HOA-friendly?: Burro Grass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Burro Grass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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