• A detailed close-up of Bouteloua gracilis (Blue Grama Grass) in full bloom, highlighting its distinctive eyelash-like seed heads. The flowering stems arch gracefully, with delicate yellow anthers dangling beneath the bristled spikes. The background consists of blurred green foliage, emphasizing the intricate structure of the grass.
  • A well-established clump of Blue Grama Grass growing in a nursery setting, surrounded by other native plants. The fine-textured green blades contrast with the airy, horizontal seed heads, which rise above the foliage on slender stems. The plants are positioned in a structured growing area, ready for transplanting into prairie restorations or native gardens.
  • A sweeping view of Bouteloua gracilis thriving in a naturalized setting, with countless seed heads swaying in the breeze. The low-growing, drought-tolerant grass forms a dense, textured carpet, intermingling with other prairie species. In the background, weathered logs and distant wildflowers add to the scene's ecological richness.
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Wild About Flowers

Bouteloua gracilis - Blue Grama Grass

Bouteloua gracilis - Blue Grama Grass

$4.75 CAD
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Blue Grama Grass is a hardy, drought-tolerant native bunchgrass known for its fine blue-green blades and distinctive, eyebrow-shaped seed heads that sway with the wind. Growing in dense, low clumps, its foliage turns golden in fall and often curls into ringlets, offering year-round texture and visual interest. It serves as a larval host plant for certain skipper butterfly species, while its seeds provide food for songbirds such as sparrows and finches.

Thriving in dry, well-drained soils, Blue Grama Grass is ideal for xeriscaping, erosion control, and naturalized meadows in both urban and rural landscapes. Its deep root system makes it highly resilient to drought, and it remains well-behaved in mixed plantings. Exceptionally well-adapted to poor, alkaline, or nutrient-deficient soils, it plays a key role in prairie ecosystems. Its fine-textured, tough foliage offers little appeal to deer, making it a reliable option in landscapes with browsing pressure.

This species is used in our Prairie Meadow Grass Seed Mix.

Bloom Times & Plant Sizes

Important Information - The "Bloom Period" is an indicator of the time period within which the wildflowers will bloom and does not describe the time period that a single plant will bloom.  The "Sizes" listed are intended to be a general guideline to consult during plant selection. - Plant growth and bloom times will vary depending on geographical location & individual site conditions.

Edible & Medicinal Info Disclaimer

The Edible & Medicinal information on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be acted on without thorough research and professional guidance. We are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of or misidentification of plants.

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Plant Specifics

Seeds Per Pack

Seeds Per Package: 50

Light Conditions

  • Sun

Soil Conditions

  • Dry
  • Gravelly
  • Sandy
  • Well Drained
  • Loam

Height

  • 12" - 24"

Width

  • Under 12"
  • 12" - 24"

Bloom Colour

  • Purple

Month of Bloom

  • June
  • July

Vigorousness

  • Slow
  • Moderate

Deer Resistance

  • High

Features

  • Birds
  • Butterflies
  • Attractive Seed Heads
  • Used as Groundcover
  • Urban Spaces
  • Rural Spaces
  • Good in Containers

Chinook Exposure

  • Fully Exposed

Distribution Info

Native across the Great Plains and western North America, including BC, AB, SK, and MB.

Traditional Edible & Medicinal Info

Bouteloua gracilis has no documented edible or medicinal properties.