Description
Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis) is a tough, low-growing native warm-season grass that typically reaches just over 1 foot tall. It forms fine, gray-green foliage and produces distinctive horizontal seed heads that resemble small eyelashes or combs. The seed heads turn tan as they mature.
Blue Grama thrives in full sun and dry conditions. It handles drought and poor soils with ease. This makes it useful for low-maintenance landscapes, shortgrass plantings, and native lawn alternatives. Blue Grama is one of the two primary species in our Native Turf Seed Mix for Sunny Areas, along with Buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides).
Blue Grama establishes easily from seed and stays short without mowing. It adds interesting texture throughout the growing season and holds its structure into fall. It supports wildlife and serves as a host plant for Leonard’s Skipper and Common Branded Skipper. Birds also eat the seeds.
Blue Grama differs from other short prairie grasses in its growth habit and seed heads. Northern Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) is taller and forms rounded clumps with fine, arching foliage and airy seed heads, while Sideoats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) is taller and produces distinctive oat-like seed clusters along one side of its flowering stems. Both are suited to sunny, dry sites, but Blue Grama is the shorter option and is particularly useful where a low-growing grass is desired.
