Side-oats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) — Care, Growing Conditions & Wildlife Value

Growing Conditions

Light Sun – Part Shade

Water Dry – Medium

Soil Any

Size 2-3'

Bloom Purple-Tan, Jul–Sep

Why Grow It

Drought Tolerant Thrives with little water once established

Erosion Control Deep roots stabilize slopes & banks

Fall Color Showy autumn foliage adds seasonal color

Easy to Grow Low maintenance & beginner friendly

Did You Know?

Side-oats Grama is named for its unique flower arrangement — the tiny spikelets all hang from one side of the stem like a row of little oat grains, unlike most grasses.

It is the state grass of Texas, where it once dominated vast stretches of tallgrass and mixed-grass prairie.

The basal foliage turns beautiful shades of purple and red in autumn, providing unexpected fall color from a grass.

Wildlife Value

🦋

Dotted Skipper Larvae feed on grass blades

🐦

Wild Turkey Feeds on nutritious seeds in fall

🐦

Sparrows Eat seeds and use foliage for ground-nest cover

Good Companions

🌸 Butterfly Milkweed 🌼 Purple Coneflower 🌾 Little Bluestem 🌿 Prairie Dropseed

Planting Guide

Sow seed in spring on well-drained, lean soil in full sun.
Space 12–18 inches apart; tolerates rocky and clay soils.
Do not fertilize; thrives in low-nutrient prairie conditions.

Side-oats Grama