Bouteloua gracilis

Blue Grama Grass

Herbaceous Grass / Grass-Like

"Mosquito Grass or Gramma Grass is a widespread native of the interior west. Slowly spreading to form substantial clumps of fine light green/gray leaves. To 18″ tall the funny flowers born at the tips of the fine stems feature a horizontal inflorescence- to me it resembles a little blond mustache. Blooms appear in midsummer and are attractive well into fall. Full, hot sun and rich to average well drained sites. Mass for a fine textured effect of a blowsy low meadow. In autumn as it enters dormancy it retains a dried to cere presence deep through winter. It may be cut back hard in spring. Light summer water though extremely drought tolerant when established. Oregon native plant." Courtesy Xera Plants

Growing Conditions

Zone: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Exposure: Full Sun, Afternoon Sun, Reflected Heat

Water Needs: Drought-tolerant, Low, Low Water / No Water, Occasional

Description

Size: 18 - 30 tall x 18 - 24 wide
Shape / Form: Upright, Clumping
Foliage Texture: Fine
Foliage Quality: Fine

Features: Fall Color, Attractive Foliage, Drought-tolerant / Water wise, Flowers, Low Maintenance, Native Plant




Bloom Season: Summer, Late Summer / Early Fall


Uses and Applications

Landscape Uses: Hell Strip, Massed, Mixed Border, Rock Garden
Special Situations: Low Water / No Water, Reflected Heat

More Design Considerations

Season of Interest: Summer, Fall, Pleasing Seasonal Changes
Position / Role: mid-plane filler, matrix / mingler

Care and Maintenance

Maintenance Level: low
Maintenance Tasks: Prune annually

Suitable Substitutes

Plant Combos