Bouteloua radicosa, commonly known as Purple Grama, is a deciduous perennial grass native to the open grasslands and semi-arid regions of the Southwestern United States and Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 80 cm (31 in) and features a dense, rhizomatous base that contributes to its ability to spread and fill in areas. The grass is characterized by its distinctive inflorescences, which are panicles 10–15 cm (3.9–5.9 in) long with seven to twelve branches. These branches are 20–30 cm (7.9–11.8 in) long and bear eight to eleven spikelets, each with two florets. The flowers are not particularly showy but are interesting upon close inspection.

Purple Grama is valued for its drought tolerance and is often used in xeriscaping, a landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation. It is also utilized for erosion control and as a low-maintenance ground cover in full sun or part shade environments. Purple Grama thrives in well-drained soils and is adapted to a range of soil types, from sandy to clay. It is a hardy grass that requires minimal care once established, making it an excellent choice for naturalistic and sustainable landscapes.CC BY-SA 4.0