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Native Plant Society of Texas

Two-flowered Trichloris

Trichloris crinita

Other common name(s):

False Rhodes Grass

Family:

Poaceae (Grass Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Chihuahuan Deserts, Edwards Plateau, Southern Texas Plains
Chihuahuan Basins and Playas, Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands, Chihuahuan Montane Woodlands, Low Mountains and Bajadas, Stockton Plateau
Semiarid Edwards Plateau
Northern Nueces Alluvial Plains, Rio Grande Floodplain and Terraces, Semiarid Edwards Bajada, Texas-Tamaulipan Thornscrub

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Grass & Sedge

Height

2
to
3
ft.

Spread

.25
to
.5
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Clay, Limestone, Calcareous, Well Drained

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Wetland or Riparian

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White, Green

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer

Seasonal Interest

Forage, Nesting Material

Wildlife Benefit

Browsers, Birds

Maintenance

Low maintenance. Drought tolerant. Good for use in rangeland restoration and erosion control plantings. Native habitat: silty areas along creeks and ditches. Propagation: seed.

Comments

Blooms May-September. A warm-season bunchgrass with fingers of white, feathery seed heads. Long bloom season.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Chloris crinita, Chloris mendocina, Leptochloa crinita, Trichloris mendocina

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed No Treatment Plant in early fall (August) in south Texas. Plant seed ⅛ to ¼ inch deep. It is better to plant too shallow than too deep. This corresponds to planting 20 live seeds per square foot. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/stpmcrb13709.pdf
Clump Division Once you have the clump out of the ground, use a sharp, clean knife or garden spade to divide the root mass into smaller sections. Each section should have several stems and a portion of the root system attached. Prepare the new planting site by loosening the soil and removing any weeds. Plant each divided section of false rhodes grass into the prepared soil at the same depth it was previously growing. Firm the soil around the base to eliminate air pockets. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and encourage root establishment. Maintain consistent soil moisture for the first few weeks to ensure successful rooting. The optimal periods for propagating false rhodes grass are spring and autumn. During these seasons, the temperature is moderate, and the plant is in active growth, facilitating successful division. These periods provide sufficient light and encourage root development, leading to robust new plants. Avoid extreme temperatures of summer and winter for best results. Begin by selecting a healthy, mature clump of false rhodes grass that is well established in your garden or environment. Ensure the chosen clump shows vigorous growth with multiple stems and a healthy root system. Carefully dig around the perimeter of the false rhodes grass clump with a spade or garden fork, digging deep enough to lift the entire root mass without damaging it. Gently lift the clump from the soil. https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Trichloris_crinita.html#:~:text=False%20rhodes%20grass%20enjoys%20warm%20climates%20and,rhodes%20grass%20requires%20minimal%20maintenance%20once%20established.

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason