// SPECIES PROFILE · GRASS · NATIVE

Silver bluestem

Bothriochloa torreyana

Silver bluestem (Bothriochloa torreyana) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–11b. Mature size 2'–5'. Blooms May–Nov.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: grass
Native range: Native to 21 U.S. states, including AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2b–11b
Mature size: 2'–5'
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: May–Nov
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Silver bluestem (Bothriochloa torreyana) — *Bothriochloa torreyana* — Silver bluestem. Photo via iNaturalist — (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Silver bluestem (Bothriochloa torreyana) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–11b. Mature size 2'–5'. Blooms May–Nov. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, silver bluestem pairs naturally with: Sideoats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), Awlfruit sedge (Carex stipata), Broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia), Silver bluestem (Bothriochloa laguroides).