Bouteloua gracilis
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Tried and True Recommended by 1 Professional
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: blue grama
Type: Ornamental grass
Family: Poaceae
Zone: 3 to 10
Native Range: Southern & western United States, Mexico
Height: 0.75 to 2 feet
Spread: 1.5 to 2 feet
Bloom Time: June to August
Bloom Color: Purple, Red
Bloom Description: Reddish-purple
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Wildlife: Attracts Birds
Tolerates: Dry Soil, Shallow, Rocky Soil, Drought, Air Pollution, Black Walnuts
Uses: Dried Flower, Erosion Control

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates a wide range of soils, except poorly-drained, wet ones. Excellent drought tolerance. Freely self-seeds. Cut to the ground in late winter before new shoots appear.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Blue grama grass is a clump-forming Missouri native grass which is typically found in dryish soils on upland prairies and along railroad tracks. It is an important component of the short grass prairies of the Great Plains. A diminutive species of grass which features narrow leaf blades and unique flower spikes which are attached at right angles to the stems and resemble mosquito larvae. Flowers bloom reddish purple in summer on stems rising above the foliage to 20" tall. At frost, foliage turns purplish then tan. Also commonly called mosquito grass.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Garden Uses

Small size makes blue grama grass an excellent selection for rock gardens where it can be used as a specimen or in small groups. Also an excellent choice for naturalized areas, native plant gardens, unmowed meadows, prairie areas or other informal areas in the landscape, especially where drought tolerant plants are needed. Can also be grown as a turf grass and regularly mowed to 2 inches high.

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