Bouteloua curtipendula

sideoats grama

This drought tolerant grass is native to open rocky woodlands and mixed grass prairies. The plant 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. This warm season grass is often over-looked as a specimen; however the unique flowers serve as a striking focal point in a small garden and mixes well in meadow plantings, as its stature compliments others well 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.