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James' Galleta

Hilaria jamesii

Last reviewed: October 2026

James' Galleta (Hilaria jamesii)
Photo: (c) Tim Messick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tim Messick

Toxicity unknown

James' Galleta (Hilaria jamesii) 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

18"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, KS and 6 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 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Basin and RangeMojave Basin and RangeNorth American DesertsNorthwestern Forested MountainsSouthern RockiesArizona/New Mexico MountainsChihuahuan DesertsHigh PlainsSouthwestern TablelandsMadrean ArchipelagoSonoran Basin and Range

James' Galleta is a low-growing, clumping native grass that forms neat tufts in dry Texas landscapes. This drought-tolerant perennial produces delicate seed heads from summer through late fall and goes dormant in winter.

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In an HOA neighborhood

James' Galleta 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 seeds for birds and small mammals. While not a major pollinator plant, it offers habitat structure for beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does James' Galleta need?
James' Galleta grows best in full sun conditions.
When does James' Galleta bloom?
James' Galleta blooms in June, July, August, September, October, and November.
Where is James' Galleta native?
James' Galleta (Hilaria jamesii) is native to AZ, CA, CO, KS and 6 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is James' Galleta HOA-friendly?
James' Galleta 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 James' Galleta? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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