Blue grama Bouteloua gracilis
ABOUT
Bouteloua gracilis, commonly known as blue grama, is a perennial grass that is often noted for its distinctive presence in prairies and grasslands. The visual character of blue grama is underscored by its slender, long leaves which typically emanate from the base, forming a tufted or clumped appearance. The leaves themselves are flexible and may display a color palette ranging from green to blue-green, occasionally turning to hues of gold or brown in the fall or in response to drought conditions. The most striking feature of blue grama is its seed heads, which consist of a series of delicate, comb-like structures. These seed heads are positioned at the end of erect or somewhat leaning stems, and the individual seed spikes branch off horizontally, giving the overall formation a windmill-like profile. The flowers that precede the seeds are small and may go unnoticed without close inspection, but they play a crucial role in the life cycle of the plant. Blue grama's overall form is unobtrusive yet graceful, making it a versatile grass that blends into the landscape across seasons. The visual texture it provides, along with its adaptive coloring, allows blue grama to contribute to the natural tapestry of its habitat with subtle beauty.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Poaceae
Synonyms
Blue Grama, Mosquito Grass, Eyelash Grass, Blue Grama Grass
Common names
Bouteloua oligostachya, Chondrosum gracile, Bouteloua gracilis var. major, Chondrosum oligostachyum, Bouteloua hirsuta var. pectinata, Bouteloua gracilis var. hirsuta, Bouteloua gracilis var. oligostachya.
ToxicityTo humans
Blue grama is not known to be toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of this plant is not typically associated with poisoning or adverse health effects.
To pets
Blue grama is not known to be toxic to pets. Ingesting any part of this grass should not cause any poisoning or harmful symptoms in animals like dogs or cats.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purplish
Height
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Spread
0.5-1.5 feet (0.15-0.45 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Erosion Control: Bouteloua gracilis, commonly known as blue grama, has a deep root system that helps stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
- Drought Tolerance: Blue grama is highly drought-resistant, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and low-water-use landscapes.
- Livestock Forage: It provides nutritious forage for livestock and is a staple of the native prairie grasses beneficial for grazing animals.
- Wildlife Habitat: Blue grama serves as a habitat and food source for various wildlife, including birds and insects.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, blue grama requires minimal maintenance, reducing the need for watering, fertilizing, and mowing.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Blue grama's fine texture and green to blue-green colors in summer, shifting to golden hues in fall, make it visually appealing in naturalistic landscapes.
- Soil Improvement: As a perennial, blue grama contributes to soil health by adding organic matter as it grows and decomposes.
- Fire Resistance: By maintaining healthy blue grama grasslands, the risk of wildfires can be reduced due to its low flammability compared to invasive weeds.
- Adaptability: Blue grama can grow in a range of soil types, from clay to sandy soils, which makes it versatile for various landscape applications.
- Native Plant Promotion: Using blue grama supports local ecosystems and biodiversity as it is a native species to North American prairies.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Blue grama grass can be utilized as a natural dye source for textiles, offering a variety of hues based on the part of the plant used and the mordant applied.
- In landscaping, blue grama is often used to create low-maintenance, drought-tolerant lawns as an alternative to traditional turf grasses.
- This plant serves as erosion control on slopes and disturbed soils due to its extensive root system that stabilizes the ground.
- Blue grama is used in wildflower meadows where it provides a subtle structural backdrop for more colorful forbs and flowering plants.
- The seeds of blue grama are a food source for birds and small mammals, thus playing a role in supporting local wildlife habitats.
- As a key species in natural prairie ecosystems, blue grama is used in prairie restoration efforts to help maintain biodiversity and ecosystem services.
- In crafts, blue grama can be incorporated into basketry or for decorative elements in eco-friendly art projects.
- The grass clippings from blue grama, when left on the ground, act as a natural mulch, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Blue grama grass is sometimes incorporated into floral arrangements as a filler or accent due to its delicate and airy seed heads.
- In research and education, blue grama is utilized as a model organism to study grassland ecology and evolutionary biology due to its wide distribution and adaptation tactics.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Blue Grama Grass is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Blue Grama Grass is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience – Bouteloua gracilis, commonly known as Blue grama grass, thrives in arid conditions and symbolizes the ability to withstand challenging environments and situations.
- Adaptability – This grass successfully adapts to different soil types and environmental conditions, symbolizing flexibility and the capacity to adjust to various circumstances in life.
- Simplicity – Blue grama grass, with its modest growth pattern and appearance, can represent a preference for simple, uncomplicated living.
- Persistence – Known for its persistence in propagation and hardiness, this plant reflects determination and the endurance to continue despite obstacles.
- Harmony with nature – Growing naturally in prairies and meadows, Blue grama grass symbolizes a harmonious existence with the natural world and can encourage environmental awareness.
WaterBlue grama grass, commonly known as Bouteloua gracilis, is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal watering. During its growing season in spring and summer, water it every other week if there has been no significant rainfall, providing about 1 inch of water each time to soak the soil thoroughly. This translates to approximately 0.623 gallons per square foot every two weeks. In periods of extreme heat, weekly watering may be necessary. Reduce watering in fall and water sparingly in winter, only if the soil is completely dry.
LightBlue grama grass thrives in full sun, making it ideal for open areas where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It's well-suited for south-facing spots that offer ample sunlight. While it can tolerate partial shade, its growth might not be as vigorous compared to when it's placed in full sun.
TemperatureBlue grama grass is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures, flourishing in areas where temperatures range from 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around -20 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but optimal growth occurs within the aforementioned range.
PruningPruning Blue grama grass is typically done to maintain its shape and remove old growth. It's best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Simply cut back the grass to about 2 to 3 inches above ground level once a year. This annual pruning will help stimulate healthy new growth and maintain an attractive appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBlue grama prefers a well-draining soil mix with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of loamy soil, sand, and compost is ideal to provide the necessary nutrients while allowing excess water to drain effectively.
RepottingBlue grama is a hardy grass that typically does not require frequent repotting. It can be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil, or as needed if it becomes root-bound in its container.
Humidity & MistingBlue grama is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not have specific requirements. It can thrive in the natural humidity found in most outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use well-draining soil, place in full light, keep room warm.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, space 12" apart.
Hardiness zone
3-10 USDA
Life cycleBlue grama grass (Bouteloua gracilis), begins its life cycle as a seed, typically germinating in the spring when soil temperatures and moisture levels become favorable. The seedlings establish a root system and grow into tufted plants with basal leaves, proceeding through a vegetative growth stage throughout the spring and early summer. As the plant matures, it enters the reproductive stage, characterized by the development of its distinct flowering stalks, or inflorescences, which resemble eyelashes and typically emerge in mid to late summer. After pollination, which is often aided by wind, the flowers produce seeds that mature by late summer or early autumn. These seeds are then dispersed by wind, water, or animals, completing the reproductive cycle. Blue grama grass also spreads vegetatively through rhizomes, contributing to the thickening of the turf and the continuation of its life cycle for the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Bouteloua gracilis, commonly known as Blue Grama Grass, is best propagated using its seeds. The ideal time to sow seeds is in late winter to early spring, when the soil temperature reaches about 60°F (15.6°C). To propagate Blue Grama Grass, evenly distribute the seeds over the soil surface in the desired area, gently rake into the top layer of soil, and ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Water the area consistently until the seeds germinate and establish. This method is straightforward and effective for covering larger areas with this native grass, which is known for its resilience and low maintenance requirements once established.
