SafePlants

Chloris submutica - Mexican Windmill Grass

Chloris submutica, commonly known as Mexican Windmill Grass, is a perennial graminoid belonging to the genus Chloris. Other species in the *Chloris* genus include roadside windmill grass (*Chloris rufescens* &middot *Chloris sagraeana*), *Chloris sesquiflora*, *Chloris subdolichostachya*, Texas windmill grass (*Chloris texensis*), Fringed Windmill Grass (*Chloris ciliata Sw.*), tall windmill grass (*Chloris elata*), and Hooded Windmill Grass (*Chloris cucullata*).

Considerations for Pets

• This plant produces tens of thousands of seeds, which are dispersed by wind.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Chloris submutica Kunth
• Common Name: Mexican Windmill Grass
• Rank: Species
• Nomenclatural Reference: Nov. Gen. Sp. H.B.K. 1: 167, t. 50. 1816.
• Synonyms/Related Names:
  • Related ITIS Name: Chloris submutica Kunth (TSN 41572)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the southern United States and northern Mexico.
• Specifically found in the northern Mexico states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi, and Sonora.
• Hooded Windmill-grass (*Chloris cucullata*) occurs in arid northern Mexico and extends into the US from southern Arizona to Texas.
• Chloris truncata grows in Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, parts of Queensland and throughout New South Wales, except for the south coast.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Perennial grass, meaning it grows for more than two years.
• Drought-tolerant.

Ecological Role

• Mexican feather grass produces thousands of seeds, which are dispersed by wind, water or contaminated soil.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Mentioned in conjunction with biochemical work on local species of Parthenium.

Resources and Further Information

• USDA PLANTS database
• Discover Life