New Mexico is known for its unique and diverse raw vegetation , which is principally characterise by short and mid grasses , along with some low desert shrubs . This vegetation is well - accommodate to the arid and semi - arid clime of the region .
One of the striking pasturage species base in New Mexico is blue gramma ( Bouteloua gracilis ) . Blue grama grass grass is a warm - season forage that form dull tufts and has bluish - light-green leaf . It is well - suit to the dry condition of New Mexico and provides important forage for grazing animals .
Another vulgar grass species in the land is black grama ( Bouteloua eriopoda ) . disastrous grama eatage is also a strong - time of year grass and is acknowledge for its drouth tolerance . It has dark green foliage and produces distinctive contraband seedheads . This green goddess is a worthful component of the native grasslands in New Mexico .
Hairy grama ( Bouteloua hirsuta ) and sideoats grama ( Bouteloua curtipendula ) are two other grass species that lead to the natural vegetation of New Mexico . Hairy grama grass has long , gentle hairs on its flowering stanch , while sideoats grama is characterized by its unique seedheads that hang on one side of the stem .
Triden , also known as threeawn ( Aristida spp . ) , is a genus of grasses that is uncouth in New Mexico . These grasses have long , slender leaf and create seedheads with three awns or bristles . Triden grasses are well - adapted to the arid condition and can be find in various habitats , including grasslands , deserts , and shrublands .
In increase to grasses , New Mexico ’s natural vegetation includes various low desert shrubs . Juniper ( Juniperus spp . ) is a vulgar shrub in the body politic , with species such as Utah juniper ( Juniperus osteosperma ) and one - seeded player juniper bush ( Juniperus monosperma ) being prevalent . Junipers have evergreen plant foliation and supply important home ground and food for wildlife .
Lotebush ( Ziziphus obtusifolia ) , also known as gumdrop tree diagram , is another shrub find in New Mexico . It has burred branches and minor , ovate leaves . Lotebush produce small yellow flowers and eatable berries , which are enjoy by bird and other wildlife .
Yucca ( Yucca spp . ) is a distinctive industrial plant that is often associate with the desert landscape of New Mexico . It has long , brand - like leaves and produces tall flower stalks with blank or emollient - color blooms . Yucca plants are well - adapted to the arid condition and allow crucial food and habitat for pollinator .
Dalea , a genus of flowering industrial plant in the pea family ( Fabaceae ) , is also part of New Mexico ’s natural botany . Dalea species , such as prairie trefoil ( Dalea spp . ) , are known for their showy , pink to purple heyday and can be found in grasslands and receptive areas .
Acacias are another group of shrubs normally find in New Mexico . These shrubs belong to the genus Acacia and have feathery , chemical compound leafage and often bring forth showy , yellow blossom . They are well - conform to the dry conditions and can be found in various habitats throughout the Department of State .
New Mexico ’s raw vegetation is diverse and well - conform to the arid and semi - arid clime of the region . It is characterized by short and mid grasses , include down grama , black gramma grass , hirsute grama , sideoats grama , and triden . The flora also includes a form of low desert shrubs such as juniper , lotebush , yucca , dalea , and acacias . These plants play a life-sustaining office in provide habitat , food , and ecosystem services in the unique landscapes of New Mexico .
Caroline Bates
