Black Grama with its narrow spindly leaf structure doesn’t look to be a highly preferred native grass, but it certainly is and is a key ingredient to healthy short-mid grass prairie. Much of the West Texas rangeland is almost devoid of this valuable plant as it has not been able to survive continuous-heavy grazing. While with continuous light grazing it can be occasionally found, (Usually within a shrub or cactus) but nothing like the amount found under a controlled graze-rest program. Under the properly applied grazed-rest scenario Black Grama is increasing very nicely on hill sides, shallow rocky ridges, and shallow soiled lowlands. The unique characteristic of retaining some green in the winter along the stolon’s and somewhat in the lower portions of the spindly leaves makes it an excellent winter feed for Vitamin A.
This photo of Black Grama is the most robust I have ever witnessed. Found in the bottom of an extremely rocky draw and is probably getting some extra water as a result. Take note of the Switch Grass just behind the Black Grama, doing quite well in what some would say was very poor soil. I beg to differ as nature has found many ways to adapt. (Wish more people were so included to follow this example.)
THE BETTER IT GETS THE FASTER IT GETS BETTER
Rangelands and Ranching 