Description

Blue Grama, Bouteloua gracilis

Blue Grama, scientifically known as Bouteloua gracilis, is a remarkable native grass species that’s beloved for its unique characteristics and its importance in various ecosystems, particularly in the western United States. Here’s some more information about Blue Grama:

1. Appearance:

   Blue Grama is a warm-season grass that typically grows to a height of 12 to 20 inches (30 to 50 centimeters). Its blades are narrow, fine-textured, and often have a blue-green or grayish-green tint, giving the grass its distinctive name. The grass forms attractive, dense clumps or tufts.

2. Seedheads:

   One of the standout features of Blue Grama is its distinctive seedheads, which resemble small eyelashes or eyebrows. These seedheads can add an interesting texture to the landscape and are a unique characteristic of the grass.

3. Drought Tolerance:

   Blue Grama is renowned for its exceptional drought tolerance. It’s well adapted to arid and semi-arid regions and can thrive in low-moisture environments. This makes it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and water-conservation efforts.  It is most commonly found on the prairies, but can also be found in warm, protected areas up to 9,000′ elevation.

4. Soil Adaptability:

   This grass species is versatile when it comes to soil types. It can grow in a range of soil conditions, including sandy soils, loams, and clay soils, making it suitable for a variety of landscapes.  It is tolerant of saline and alkaline soils.

5. Wildlife Habitat:

   Blue Grama is not just a pretty grass; it also provides valuable habitat and food for wildlife. Its seeds are a source of nutrition for birds and small mammals, and the dense clumps of grass can offer cover and nesting sites.

6. Landscape Use:

   In landscaping, Blue Grama is often used for native and prairie-style gardens, naturalistic landscapes, and erosion control projects.  Blue Grama grass is widely used for range, pasture, and reclamation.  Its low maintenance requirements make it a popular choice for those seeking sustainable and environmentally friendly landscaping solutions.   It is partly sod-forming and can be grown as low-maintenance turf grass.

7. Cultural Significance:

   Blue Grama is the official state grass of Colorado, recognizing its importance and prevalence in the region’s native landscapes.

8. Propagation:    It can be propagated from seeds, and it’s important to select regionally appropriate seed sources to ensure the grass is well-suited to the local climate and conditions.  It is A quick germinator with good winter hardiness. A warm-season grass means it will grow and green up when the temperatures are warm.  For planting that typically means waiting until mid to late spring for the soil and air temperatures to warm up.   In higher elevations, (7,000 – 7,500 ft. elev) plant only in open, south or west-facing areas.  Planting can be done throughout Summer into Fall making sure that there are at least 6-8 weeks before the first freezes for your area.

Overall, Blue Grama is a resilient and visually striking grass species that has earned its place in both natural and designed landscapes. Its adaptability to challenging environments and its unique seedheads make it a fascinating addition to gardens and ecosystems in its native range.

If you want to learn more about Blue Grama, click here.

Varieties: Native, Alma, Bad River, Hachita, Lovington

Pricing is for the Native variety, please call for pricing on other types.

Seeding Rate: Small Areas: 2-3 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft. Larger Areas:  10-15 lbs. per acre drilled, 20-30 lbs. per acre broadcast