Curly Mesquite
Hilaria belangeri
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Curly Mesquite (Hilaria belangeri) 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.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Curly Mesquite as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–12" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
AZ, NM, TX
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 445 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
Curly mesquite is a short, spreading native grass that forms dense mats across the ground. It goes dormant and turns brown in winter, staying low and compact throughout the growing season. This drought-tolerant grass produces small seed heads in fall.
In an HOA neighborhood
Curly Mesquite 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
Provides seeds for quail, doves, and small songbirds. The dense growth offers nesting sites and cover for ground-dwelling wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Curly Mesquite need?
- Curly Mesquite grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Curly Mesquite bloom?
- Curly Mesquite blooms in September, October, and November.
- Where is Curly Mesquite native?
- Curly Mesquite (Hilaria belangeri) is native to AZ, NM, TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Curly Mesquite toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Curly Mesquite as toxic to livestock.
- Is Curly Mesquite HOA-friendly?
- Curly Mesquite 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.
Ready to grow Curly Mesquite? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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