James' Galleta
Hilaria jamesii
Last reviewed: June 2026
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 411 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
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.
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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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 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 James' Galleta? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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