Klein grass, Panicum Coloratum, is a warm season perennial that is planted in the Southwest for hay production and grazing. Klein Grass is a native grass of Africa and was first introduced into the United States in the 1950s. It is a fine-stem, leafy hay that is very palatable and nutritious. It can be used as a replacement for lower quality alfalfa in cattle rations. It can also be used, in its young cut stage, as a starter forage for young calves. It is not recommended for horses.