Sideoats Grass (Bouteloua curtipendula) boo-tel-LOO-ah curtipendula

Bouteloua curtipendula, or Sideoats Grama, is a warm-season, perennial grass native to central and western North America. This drought-tolerant species is distinguished by its unique inflorescence, which features oat-like spikelets that dangle gracefully from one side of the flowering stems, giving the plant a distinctive, one-sided appearance. The fine-textured, blue-green foliage forms a dense, clumping growth habit, reaching 1-3 feet tall and spreading to form attractive ground covers or borders. Sideoats Grama is highly valued for its resilience, ability to thrive in poor, dry soils, and ornamental appeal. In summer, the grass produces abundant tan seed heads that persist into fall, complementing the plant's brilliant gold and red autumn color. Adaptable to full sun to partial shade, Bouteloua curtipendula is an excellent choice for xeriscaping, native plant gardens, and prairie restorations, providing both visual interest and important food and shelter for local wildlife.

• Illinois Wildflowers
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
• Missouri Botanical Garden
• US Forest Service
• USDA
• Wikipedia

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