Grass, Blue Grama

Bouteloua gracilis

Height: 16-20in
Spread: 12-18in
Zone: 3-10
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Time/Color: July-September; purple
Uses: Groundcover, massing, prairie, erosion
Maintenance: Low
Other: Fall color, cut flower

This native prairie grass is named for the blue-green slender leaf blades and is also nicknamed "eyelash grass" because of the seed heads. When in bloom, flowers appear purple/green in color and hang off the side of the stalk. Blue grama is a very versatile grass; adapting to different soil types and growing conditions (drought and heat tolerant for example). It forms a dense clump of narrow blades that turn a golden brown in the fall and, if environmental conditions are right, can have varying hues of red/orange. Blue grama is also insect and disease free and is best used in massing or as a turf alternative if kept mowed. Flowering stems make good dried or cut flowers.

Bouteloua gracilis is an Iowa native.