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Color
Picture
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Blue Grama
Bouteloua gracilis
Major native species of the western Great Plains and the
Southwest. One of the most widely distributed of all native
grasses.
Densely tufted, usually 6 to 24" tall with gray-green basal
leaves. Has bluish-purple cast when young and takes on straw color
at maturity. |
| Preferences |
Best adapted on heavy, rolling upland soils. Does
well on clayey soils, less vigorous on sands and clays. Tolerant
of soil salinity and commonly persists on alkaline soils. Not
shade tolerant. Very drought tolerant. Good winter
hardiness.
May produce two or more seed crops in one year.
With proper moisture, may flower and produce seed in 60 days.
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| Uses |
Widely used for range, pasture, and
occasionally for
hay. Often seeded in mixtures to control erosion. In more
recent years has been used to some extent for lawns. Widely used
over much of the Southwest and Great Plains area for reseeding disturbed
or abandoned cultivated areas.
Highly nutritional, even when dormant in winter time.
Rotational grazing should be practiced. |
| Planting |
Drill or broadcast seed 1/4 to 1/2" deep on firm
seed bed. Will establish better in protective cover of
non-volunteering crop. Best seeded in winter months with emergence
to occur when soil temperatures rise.
Control weeds and protect from grazing until plants well-rooted and
have produced seed heads. |
