Buffelgrass is an exotic species of plant invading the Sonoran desert that is crowding out native plant species and creating fire danger. Buffelgrass is a native plant of the arid and semi-arid regions of Africa, Asia and the Middle East. It was introduced to the United States in the early 1900s for grazing purposes. Buffelgrass arrived in the Tucson area around 1940.
In 2009, Pima County established rules about Buffelgrass. If owners do not remove Buffelgrass from their property, Pima County will issue an order of removal. If the owner still does not remove the Buffelgrass, Pima County will remove the plant and bill the owner for its removal.
The Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan provides a fact sheet about Bufflegrass with an illustration, description, and more information.
The National Parks Service lists the status of buffelgrass: "This species is listed as a Prohibited noxious weed and Regulated noxious weed in the state of Arizona."
If you would like to help stamp out Buffelgrass in the Tucson area, the website https://www.desertmuseum.org/buffelgrass/pullsitelist.php has a list of upcoming volunteer events for Bufflegrass and Fountain Grass removal.
Sources:
"Buffelgrass profoundly affecting Arizona," Arizona Daily Star. February 16, 2009. Page 1.
Bufflegrass, opens a new window (fact sheet) | Exotic Species | Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan | pima.gov
"Your guide to Pima County’s new buffelgrass rules." Arizona Daily Star. March 18, 2009. Page A 12.
Invasive Plant Spotlight: Buffelgrass, opens a new window | National Parks Service, nps.gov
Find the information you need by calling the library's Infoline at 520-791-4010 or by sending your question to Askalibrarian.
