Bouteloua curtipendula
Back to Previous Page
     
Tried and True Recommended by 2 Professionals
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: sideoats grass
Type: Ornamental grass
Family: Poaceae
Zone: 4 to 9
Native Range: Canada to Argentina
Garden Location: Lucy and Stanley Lopata Prairie Garden
Height: 1.5 to 2.5 feet
Spread: 1.5 to 2 feet
Bloom Time: July to August
Bloom Color: Purple
Bloom Description: Purplish
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Leaves: Good Fall Color
Wildlife: Attracts Birds
Tolerates: Dry Soil, Shallow, Rocky Soil, Drought, Air Pollution, Black Walnuts
Uses: Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Groundcover, Erosion Control

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium moisture soils in full sun. Tolerates wide range of soil conditions from well-drained sandy soils to heavy clays. May be grown from seed and may self-seed in the garden in optimum growing conditions. Cut clumps to the ground in late winter.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Sideoats grama is a Missouri native grass which is noted for the distinctive arrangement of oat-like seed spikes which hang from only one side of its flowering stems. Typically occurs in glades, prairies, open rocky woodlands and along railroad tracks throughout most of the State. Narrow, bluish-gray leaf blades (to 1/4" wide) typically form a dense clump growing 1-1.5' tall. Foliage turns golden brown in autumn, sometimes also developing interesting hues of orange and red. Inflorescences of purplish-tinged flowers appear on arching stems above the foliage in early to mid summer, typically bringing the total height of the clump to 3' tall. Inflorescences fade to tan as the seeds mature.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Garden Uses

Mass in meadows, prairies, slopes, native plant gardens or naturalized areas. Notwithstanding the excellent ornamental features of this grass, it may also be grown as a turf grass and regularly mowed to 2-4 inches tall.

Back to Previous Page