Bouteloua gracilis – Blue Grama Grass

Bouteloua gracilis – Blue Grama Grass

One of the signature grasses of the American prairie, Bouteloua gracilis is a fine-textured, clump-forming native grass beloved for its extraordinary seed heads — distinctive, comb-like plumes that hang horizontally like tiny eyelashes from arching stems, creating a unique and whimsical display from summer through fall. Its slender blue-green foliage turns warm tan in winter, providing subtle four-season interest in naturalistic and low-water gardens. Extraordinarily drought tolerant and deeply rooted, it thrives in lean, dry soils where other grasses give up — making it a cornerstone plant for meadow gardens, slopes, rock gardens, and prairie-style landscapes.

Key Features:

• Perennial; clump-forming native prairie grass
• Extremely drought tolerant once established
• Distinctive horizontal eyelash-like seed heads; summer–fall
• Fine blue-green foliage; tan winter interest
• Deer resistant
• US Native; excellent for ecological and pollinator gardens
• Ideal for meadows, slopes, rock gardens, and containers
• Tolerates poor, dry, sandy soils

Growing Details:
Height: 12–18 in | Spread: 12–18 in
Exposure: Full Sun | Water: Low
Bloom time: Summer–Fall | Bloom color: Tan/purple-tinged
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3–10