Sideoats Grama
Bouteloua curtipendula
- Native to:
- Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, Virgin Islands
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:
- 91 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, red
- Lawn Substitute:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- 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, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- orange, red
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from basal crown after fire; benefits from periodic burning to reduce competition.
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:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; sow in fall or stratify for 30-60 days.
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.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Native Plants Nursery (nursery)
- Pizzo Native Plant Nursery (wholesale nursery)
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)
- Vermont Wildflower Farm (nursery and seeds)
- Native Seed Group (seeds)
- Native American Seed (nursery and seeds)
- North Creek Nurseries (nursery)
- Ernst Seeds (seeds)
- Ernst Seeds (seeds)
- Bamert Seed (seeds)
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)