| Sideoats Grama Bouteloua curtipendula Native to the US and widely distributed eastward from Rocky Mountains. Warm season, bunchy sod-forming grass, erect to 1 to 3' tall, usually with short, scaly rhizomes. Leaves bluish-green, drying brown. Spike-like head with 1 to 12 (or more) spikelets dangling from one side of the rachis. Spikelets fall off after maturity. |
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| Preferences | Adapted to a wide spectrum of sandy to clayey soils and less tolerant of loose sands and heavy clays. Some tolerance of soil salinity. Moderate drought resistance. Good winter hardiness with well adapted strains. We recommend the 'El Reno' strain. |
| Uses | Used
for range forage, pasture and hay, mixtures (or pure stands) in
conservation work on eroding fields, depleted ranges and bare fields.
Graze stands moderately, leave 3 to 6" of stubble. High palatability in late spring and summer. Fair forage value when mature. |
| Planting | Plant
1/4 to 1/2" deep on finely textured and 3/4" deep on coarsely
textured soils. Firm seedbed desired. Seed in
non-volunteering crop stubble or mulch on eroded sites.
Irrigation, if available, aids in getting stands started.
Winter planting is recommended. New seedlings require weed control by grazing, herbicides, or mowing. |
