// SPECIES PROFILE · GRASS · NATIVE

Blue grama

Bouteloua gracilis

Blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2a–11a. Mature size 1'–2'. Blooms Jul–Oct.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: grass
Native range: Native to 27 U.S. states, including AZ, CA, CO, CT, IA, ID…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2a–11a
Mature size: 1'–2'
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: Jul–Oct
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) — *Bouteloua gracilis* — Blue grama. Photo via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2a–11a. Mature size 1'–2'. Blooms Jul–Oct. 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, blue grama pairs naturally with: Awlfruit sedge (Carex stipata), Broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia), Smooth brome (Bromus inermis), Redroot flatsedge (Cyperus erythrorhizos).