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(Bouteloua eriopoda)
Black Grama (Bouteloua eriopoda)
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Patrick Alexander
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Patrick Alexander
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Photo by: Patrick Alexander | License Type: CC0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: Josve05a | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Bouteloua eriopoda, commonly known as Black Grama, is a perennial herbaceous grass native to arid and semiarid regions, including the Chihuahuan Desert and other desert grasslands of the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico. It typically forms dense tufts or mats and has a height of 10-30 cm. Black Grama is characterized by its fine-textured foliage and purplish-brown, comb-like seed heads that appear in the late summer. The grass is well-adapted to survive in harsh environments with its extensive root system.
Black Grama is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to stabilize soil, making it an excellent choice for erosion control in arid landscapes. It is also used for rangeland restoration and as a forage grass for livestock, although it is sensitive to overgrazing. In cultivation, Black Grama requires minimal maintenance, thriving in full sun or part shade and preferring well-drained soils. It is not commonly found in ornamental gardens but is vital in xeriscaping and habitat restoration projects.CC BY-SA 4.0
Black Grama is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to stabilize soil, making it an excellent choice for erosion control in arid landscapes. It is also used for rangeland restoration and as a forage grass for livestock, although it is sensitive to overgrazing. In cultivation, Black Grama requires minimal maintenance, thriving in full sun or part shade and preferring well-drained soils. It is not commonly found in ornamental gardens but is vital in xeriscaping and habitat restoration projects.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Arid and semiarid regions, including the Chihuahuan Desert and other desert grasslands
Other Names
Common Names: Woolly Foot Grama , Hairyfoot Grama , Navajita Negra
Scientific Names: Bouteloua eriopoda , Chondrosum eriopodum , Bouteloua brevifolia , Chondrosium eriopodum
GBIF Accepted Name: Bouteloua eriopoda (Torr.) Torr.