What is Spiny Hop-Sage
Below is a transcription of the above sign found at the Valley of Fire Visitor Center.
Spiny Hop-Sage – Grayia spinosa
COMMUNITY
Creosote Bush Scrub, Arroyo Woodland, and Blackbrush Scrub
BLOOMS
March-June
HABITAT
Washes, mesa, flats
ELEVATION
2500 to 7500 ft (833 to 2500 m)
TYPE OF SOIL
Alkaline gravels
SOURCE OF WATER
Surface
POLLINATION
Wind, insects
ADAPTATION
Wood stem, spiny branches.
Small leaves and flowers.
Plant appears dead much of the year.
COMMENTS
Buds, twigs, and especially the flat, winged fruit is favorite browse of desert bighorn sheep and range cattle
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