Sideoats Grama
Bouteloua curtipendula
- Native to:
- Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, United States, Uruguay
Erutuon
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Bouteloua
- Species:
- Bouteloua curtipendula
- USDA Symbol:
- BOCU
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, red
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Automeris patagoniensis, Hualapai buckmoth (Hemileuca hualapai), Olivia's buckmoth (Hemileuca oliviae), ⚠️Dakota Skipper (Hesperia dacotae), Dotted Skipper (Hesperia attalus), Leonard's skipper (Hesperia leonardus), 🛑Ottoe Skipper (Hesperia ottoe)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- bronze, tan
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from the base after fire. Benefits from periodic burning to reduce competition and stimulate growth.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, rocky or sandy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- thrives in open, sunny areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Germinates readily at warm temperatures (65-85°F). Light improves germination but is not required.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Dry storage of spring germinating seeds. Direct seeding on listed beds, irrigation, cultivation and fertilization.
Establishment: Seeds are easily collected by hand in late-summer to early fall. Germination rates can vary widely depending on the origin of the seed and climate conditions. The plant is found in a wide range of locations, from Ontario to Mexico and from Maine to California.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.