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(Bouteloua trifida)
Red Grama (Bouteloua trifida)
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Sam Kieschnick
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Sam Kieschnick
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Sam Kieschnick | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Sam Kieschnick | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2016-08-23T23:39:14-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Bouteloua trifida, commonly known as Red Grama, is a deciduous perennial grass native to arid regions, including deserts, plains, and scrublands of the Southwestern United States and Mexico. It is adapted to open spaces where it receives full sunlight. This grass typically reaches a modest height of about 30 centimeters and is characterized by its slender, thread-like leaves that seldom exceed 5 centimeters in length. The inflorescence of Red Grama is distinctive, with widely-spaced spikelets that exhibit a reddish-purple hue, each bearing three awns at the tip. The flowering season extends from March to September, during which the plant adds a subtle color to its surroundings.
Red Grama is valued for its drought tolerance and is often used in xeriscaping—a landscaping approach that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation. It is also suitable for naturalistic plantings in arid garden settings. Red Grama thrives in full sun exposure and requires minimal water, making it an easy-to-maintain choice for gardeners in dry climates. It prefers well-drained soils and is capable of surviving in nutrient-poor conditions. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can struggle in overly moist or shaded environments.CC BY-SA 4.0
Red Grama is valued for its drought tolerance and is often used in xeriscaping—a landscaping approach that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation. It is also suitable for naturalistic plantings in arid garden settings. Red Grama thrives in full sun exposure and requires minimal water, making it an easy-to-maintain choice for gardeners in dry climates. It prefers well-drained soils and is capable of surviving in nutrient-poor conditions. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can struggle in overly moist or shaded environments.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
native to arid regions, including deserts, plains, and scrublands of the Southwestern United States and Mexico
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Bouteloua trifida, Chondrosum trifidum, Bouteloua burkii, Bouteloua trinii, Bouteloua trifida var. burkei, Chondrosum trinii, Chondrosum virletii, Bouteloua trifida var. burkii, Chondrosum polystachyum
GBIF Accepted Name: Bouteloua trifida Thurb. ex S.Watson