Bouteloua gracilis aka Blue Grama

Bouteloua gracilis is a small perennial grass called blue grama. It also goes by the name mosquito grass. It belongs to the grass family, Poaceae. Its native range runs from western and central Canada to Mexico. It grows across much of the central and western United States. Its habitats include dry prairies, plains, deserts, and open rocky woods. It was a major grass of the shortgrass prairie.

This warm-season grass grows in dense tufts. The leaf clump stands about 1–1.25 feet [0.30–0.38 m] tall. Plants reach about 2 feet [0.61 m] with flower stems. Spread reaches about 1.5–2 feet [0.46–0.61 m]. RHS gives a broader height range, up to 3.3 feet [1 m]. The fine leaves range from bright green to blue-gray. Each blade is about a quarter-inch wide. In fall, leaves turn brown or gold, sometimes orange or red. The foliage dies back for winter.

Flowers appear from June through August on slender, arching stems. Their color ranges from purple-red to reddish brown. The flat flower spikes project from one side of each stem. Their shape gives rise to the name mosquito grass. Tan seed heads follow and can last into winter. The small grain fruit is a caryopsis. Gardeners use the flower spikes in dried arrangements. The grass also draws songbirds to the garden.

Grow blue grama in full sun and well-drained soil. It accepts poor, dry, shallow, and rocky ground. Sand, loam, and chalk suit it, across a broad pH range. It withstands drought, heat, urban conditions, and exposure near black walnut. Avoid soggy soil, including wet ground in winter. Sources place it in USDA zones 3–10 and UK rating H6. Cut old growth back before fresh shoots emerge in spring. Raise new plants from seed or divide clumps in spring. It self-seeds with ease and has few serious pest or disease problems.

Use it in rock gardens, borders, native gardens, and dry meadows. Small groups suit its compact form. It can form a lawn where foot traffic stays light. Such lawns can be mown to two inches. Its roots help hold soil in place. The seeds are edible raw or cooked. They can make meal, porridge, or bread. Small yields and husk removal limit their use. PFAF reports no known hazards. It also records traditional medicinal uses and basket, broom, and comb making.