Blue Grama

(Bouteloua gracilis)

Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis)

Patrick Alexander from Las Cruces, NM

CC0

Image By: Patrick Alexander from Las Cruces, NM

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Patrick Alexander from Las Cruces, NM | License Type: CC0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en | Uploader: Josve05a | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Bouteloua_gracilis_-_Flickr_-_aspidoscelis_(4).jpg | Notes: Uploaded a work by Mary Evans Francis from The Book of Grasses 1912 with UploadWizard |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Bouteloua gracilis, commonly known as blue grama, is a long-lived, warm-season (C4) perennial grass native to grasslands and prairies across central North America, including the Great Plains and the Southwest. It is well-adapted to a range of conditions from well-drained, dry soils to more mesic environments. Blue grama typically reaches 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) in height and has a bunching growth form. Its leaves are green to greyish, narrow, and typically less than 3 mm (0.1 in) wide and 1 to 10 inches (25 to 250 mm) long. The plant is noted for its distinctive inflorescence, which resembles eyelashes and blooms from mid-summer to fall, adding ornamental value.

Blue grama is valued for its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements, making it an excellent choice for naturalistic landscaping, erosion control, and restoration projects. It is often used in xeriscaping, as it requires minimal supplemental watering once established. This grass prefers full sun and can thrive in a variety of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While it is generally pest and disease-free, overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot. Blue grama is also beneficial for wildlife, providing habitat and food for various insects and animals.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Grass
Height: 1-2 feet
Width: 1-1.5 feet
Growth Rate: Rapid
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Summer
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Medium, Low
Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Grasslands and prairies across central North America

Other Names

Common Names: Blue Grama Grass , Eyelash Grass , Graceful Grama Grass , Navajita , Navajita Azul , Boutelou Gracieux , Boutelou Grêle

Scientific Names: Bouteloua gracilis , Chondrosum gracile , Bouteloua oligostachya , Bouteloua gracilis var. gracilis , Bouteloua oligostachya var. pallida , Actinochloa gracilis , Bouteloua gracilis var. stricta , Bouteloua stricta , Atheropogon oligostachyus , Bouteloua oligostachya var. major

GBIF Accepted Name: Bouteloua gracilis (Kunth) Lag. ex Griffiths