sideoats grama Interesting Notes

Bouteloua curtipendula is an innocuous-seeming grass. It features a distinctive inflorescence, an oat-like spikelet that originates in a faded purple hue and lightens to tan in the fall. The fall foliage color is golden brown fading to red-orange and purple shades. The plant grows to 2’ tall with flower spikes carrying it to 3’. What makes Bouteloua a must-have is it tolerates drought conditions, can be used for erosion control, and provides an airy backdrop as a massed plant in native meadow plantings.

This drought tolerant grass is native to open rocky woodlands and mixed grass prairies. Ranging through 42 of the 48 continental United States, it is most common in the prairie states of the Midwest. Tolerating a wide range of soil conditions from average to dry soils dominated by sand or clay, it simply requires full sun.

Sideoats grama is often overlooked as a specimen; however, the unique flowers serve as a striking focal point in a small garden and mix well in meadow plantings, as its stature compliments others in the spring. We recommend this rhizomatous plant for use when a site is damaged by drought or grazing. Despite its ability to rehabilitate landscapes, it spreads at a very slow rate. Maintenance is simple: cut back in late winter, or can be used in a landscape that undergoes controlled burns.