Burro Grass
Scleropogon brevifolius
Last reviewed: June 2026
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 383 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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 the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Burro Grass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz