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Blue Grama — Bouteloua gracilis
Birds
USA Native

Blue Grama

Bouteloua gracilis

Grass

Blue Grama

Bouteloua gracilis

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Growing Conditions

Light Light Full Sun
Water Water Dry
Soil Soil Sandy
Size Size 1-1.5'
Bloom Bloom Purple, Jul–Sep

Why Grow It

Drought Tolerant Thrives with little water once established
Erosion Control Deep roots stabilize slopes & banks
Easy to Grow Low maintenance & beginner friendly
Ground Cover Fills in to form a living carpet

Did You Know?

Blue Grama's distinctive seed heads look exactly like tiny mosquito larvae hanging from the stem, earning it the nickname 'mosquito grass.'
This grass can survive on as little as 7 inches of annual rainfall, making it one of the most drought-tolerant native grasses in North America.
It was one of the dominant grasses of the shortgrass prairie that once covered the Great Plains from Canada to Texas, supporting vast herds of bison.

Wildlife Value

🦋
Leonard's Skipper Larvae feed on grass blades
🐦
Finches & Sparrows Eat nutritious seeds from curly seedheads
🦗
Grasshoppers Foliage supports many grasshopper species

Good Companions

🌸 Prairie Smoke 🌼 Blanket Flower 🌾 Side-oats Grama 🌿 Dotted Blazing Star

Planting Guide

  1. Sow seed in spring on dry, well-drained soil in full sun.
  2. Space 8–12 inches apart; forms a fine-textured low turf.
  3. Extremely drought tolerant; do not overwater or fertilize.

Plant Details

Blue Grama detail
Blue Grama detail
Blue Grama detail
Blue Grama detail
Blue Grama detail
Made with ♥ by Lu Li