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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