This is a native plant, but it is not available in the 2026 Wild Ones plant sale.
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Blue Grama
Bouteloua gracilis
GrassBlue Grama
Bouteloua gracilis
Tap to flip backGrowing Conditions
Light
Full Sun
Water
Dry
Soil
Sandy
Size
1-1.5'
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
- Sow seed in spring on dry, well-drained soil in full sun.
- Space 8–12 inches apart; forms a fine-textured low turf.
- Extremely drought tolerant; do not overwater or fertilize.
Plant Details
Made with ♥ by Lu Li