Blue Grama
Bouteloua gracilis
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Bouteloua
- Species:
- Bouteloua gracilis
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- Less than 6 in
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jul, aug, sep, oct
- Bloom Colors:
- Yellow
- Lawn Substitute:
- Yes
Native Range
United States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- thrives in arid and semi-arid regions
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Dry storage of spring germinating seeds resulted in 95% germination. No pretreatment required for high germination rates in laboratory settings.
Establishment: Germination rates vary significantly between laboratory settings and direct field sowing, with much higher rates achieved in the lab. The plant is drought and heat tolerant, and persists under grazing pressure and extreme drought conditions.
Source: npn.rngr.net