Grama Grass, Blue

Blue Grama Grass (Bouteloua gracilis)

Blue Grama Grass is a drought-tolerant, warm-season native prairie grass known for its unique, eyebrow-shaped seed heads and adaptability to poor soils. A cornerstone of prairie ecosystems, it plays a crucial role in supporting wildlife, preventing erosion, and enhancing soil health. Its graceful, fine-textured blades and striking seed heads make it a perfect addition to meadows, xeriscapes, and naturalized gardens. Blue Grama is also valuable for erosion control and as forage for livestock and wildlife.

Key Characteristics:

• Wildlife Habitat and Forage: Blue Grama Grass provides food and shelter for a wide range of wildlife. Birds like sparrows and meadowlarks eat the seeds, while small mammals and insects, including grasshoppers and ground-nesting bees, find cover in its dense tufts. It's also an important forage grass for grazing animals, including deer and bison.

• Drought Tolerance and Soil Stabilization: Highly resilient, Blue Grama thrives in dry, well-drained soils and tolerates prolonged drought, making it ideal for xeriscaping and erosion control. Its deep roots help stabilize soils, making it valuable in prairie restoration and sustainable landscaping.

• Low Maintenance, Ornamental Value: Blue Grama Grass requires minimal care, making it perfect for naturalized landscapes. Its ornamental seed heads, resembling eyelashes, add visual interest to meadows, borders, and rock gardens, particularly in the late summer and fall.

• Traditional Uses: Native American tribes historically used Blue Grama for its seeds, which were ground into flour. Its fibrous roots were also used for basket weaving and other crafts. Today, it remains a valuable species in sustainable agriculture for grazing.

• Prairie Restoration and Meadow Plantings: Blue Grama is often used in prairie restoration projects, where it helps rebuild native ecosystems, supports biodiversity, and strengthens the soil structure. It thrives in meadows, pastures, and dry, open landscapes.

Product Details:

• Native Range: Western and Central North America
• Plant Life Cycle: Perennial
• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Dry, well-drained
• Mature Height: 12-18 inches
• Bloom Time: Summer (June to August)
• Bloom Color: Green turning to tan
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Enhance your dry, sunny garden or prairie restoration project with the resilient and wildlife-friendly Blue Grama Grass.