Bouteloua gracilis

Bouteloua gracilis: Blue Grama Grass

Compact, drought-hardy, and full of personality, Bouteloua gracilis—Blue Grama Grass—adds whimsical charm to sunny, dry gardens. Its fine, blue-green blades form tidy clumps, topped in summer by distinctive, eyebrow-like seed heads that stand horizontally from slender stems. These unique blooms shift in the breeze, bringing playful movement and subtle texture. With excellent tolerance for heat, drought, and poor soils, this native prairie grass is as tough as it is ornamental.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 30–45 cm
• Spread: 30–45 cm
• Flower Colour: Tan to purplish seed heads on horizontal stems
• Flowering Period: Midsummer to early fall
• Foliage: Fine-textured, blue-green turning golden in fall
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Dry to average, well-drained soil; thrives in sandy or rocky soils

Uses and Benefits: Perfect for xeriscaping, rock gardens, meadows, or edging sunny borders, Blue Grama thrives where little else will. It blends beautifully with wildflowers and pollinator plants, offers low-growing structure without blocking views, and supports birds with its nutritious seeds. Its compact form and waterwise nature make it an excellent choice for modern prairie-inspired plantings or low-maintenance urban designs.

Companion Plants: Pair Bouteloua gracilis with the soft, nodding spires of Echinacea pallida, the golden blooms and dark eye of Coreopsis 'Sterntaler', and the deep violet spikes of Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna'. This drought-tolerant combination balances texture and colour, offering strong pollinator support and visual movement throughout the summer.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Water occasionally during establishment, then sparingly. Avoid overwatering or fertilizing, which can lead to floppy growth. Cut back in early spring before new growth appears. Division can be done in spring if rejuvenation or spreading is desired.

History: Native to the Great Plains and western North America, Bouteloua gracilis is a keystone species of shortgrass prairies. Valued for its grazing resilience and ornamental appeal, it’s a grass that combines ecological heritage with landscape versatility.

Final Thoughts: Cheerful, compact, and deeply drought tolerant, Blue Grama is a small grass with enduring charm. Its sculptural seed heads and prairie roots bring texture, motion, and native resilience to any sun-drenched garden.