Bouteloua gracilis aka Blue Grama
Taxonomy
Bouteloua gracilis, commonly known as blue grama, is a long-lived, warm-season (C4) perennial grass native to North America. It can be found from Alberta, Canada, east to Manitoba and south across the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, and U.S. Midwest states, extending onto the northern Mexican Plateau. Blue grama is a vital contributor to the net primary productivity in the shortgrass prairie of the central and southern Great Plains. This green or greyish grass is low-growing, drought-tolerant, and requires minimal maintenance. It features tufted deciduous growth up to 60cm tall, with linear leaves and slender stems that bear a few one-sided, horizontal, comb-like reddish-brown flower spikes during the summer. Although blue grama is a super rare houseplant, it is easy to grow and thrives with regular watering. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and should be positioned less than 1 foot from a window. Well-draining soil is essential for its growth, and gentle, organic fertilizer can be applied throughout the peak growing season. Blue grama belongs to the Bouteloua genus and is native to West and Central Canada to Mexico.
Common names
Blue Grama, Blue Grama Grass, Eyelash GrassHow to care for Blue Grama
Difficulty
With its straightforward care requirements, Blue Grama is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
Water
Blue Grama should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
The Blue Grama is very susceptible to soil that is too wet, so it's essential to choose a potting soil that drains well and does not retain excessive moisture. A soil mix that includes plenty of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can easily create this type of soil by adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store.
Lighting
Blue Grama thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Eyelash Grass.
Toxicity
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Growth-pattern
The Blue Grama displays clumping growth habits, with new shoots arising from the soil close to the parent plant.
Region of origin
Blue Grama’s native range is Southern N. America - Wisconsin to North Dakota, south to Arizona and Mexico.
More info:
Wikipedia
