Bouteloua curtipendula aka Tall Grama Grass

Bouteloua curtipendula is a grass that lives for many years. Its common name is sideoats grama. It belongs to Poaceae, the grass family. Its native range spans North and Central America to northern Argentina. It grows in lands with a temperate climate. It is native to Missouri. There, it grows in prairies, glades, and open, rocky woods. It also grows by railroad tracks across much of the state.

This grass grows upright in thick clumps with narrow, blue-gray leaves. The blades reach about a quarter-inch wide. Leaf clumps stand 1–1.5 feet [0.30–0.46 metres] tall. In gardens, height reaches about 2.5–3 feet [0.76–0.91 metres], including flower stems. Clumps spread to about 2 feet [0.61 metres] across. The leaves turn gold-brown in fall. Some plants show orange and red tones as well. These shifts in color add interest after the blooms fade.

Arched stems rise above the leaves with blooms tinged purple. Missouri Botanical Garden lists bloom from July to August. Chicago Botanic Garden reports blooms from July through October. The seed spikes look like oats. They hang along just one side of each stem. This trait gives the grass its common name. Use the flowers in fresh displays or dry them for display. The plant also draws birds to the garden.

Grow sideoats grama in full sun. It grows in dry to somewhat moist soil with little upkeep. It accepts well-drained sand as well as heavy clay. It copes with drought and shallow, rocky ground. It can also cope with urban conditions. Missouri Botanical Garden lists resistance to black walnut and erosion. Both garden sources place it in USDA zones 4–9. Cut the clumps back to ground level in late winter. Plants can grow from seed. They may also seed themselves where conditions suit them.

Plant this grass in groups in meadows, prairies, or native gardens. It also suits slopes, rock gardens, and areas with natural planting. Its low leaf clumps can serve as ground cover. With regular mowing, it can form turf as well. For turf, keep it at 0.17–0.33 feet [0.05–0.10 metres] tall. Do not mow plants grown for flowers and seed spikes. Missouri Botanical Garden reports no serious insect or disease problems. The supplied sources do not show whether people can eat it. They do not establish whether it is toxic.