This 1- to 3-foot species of grama is the largest and most coarse of the grama grasses, which are important range grasses for livestock and wildlife. The bluish-green leaves are erect or arching at the tip, and mid to late summer brings bright-red seed spikes that hang along one side of the seed stalk, giving the species its common name. When mature, seeds are shed as a unit, leaving a bare, zigzag stalk. The leaves cure to a reddish-brown or straw color. The warm-season, perennial bunchgrass spreads faster and looks fuller in sun, but it also tolerates part shade. It needs consistent moisture to establish, and then it becomes a hands-off plant that tolerates drought and cold. It flourishes in average or dry, well-drained soils that are infertile, shallow, rocky, or even clay.
Sideoats grama is a unique replacement for turf grass. It moves away from the original clump by rhizomes, forming new bunches of grass that can be mown for a shorter, neater appearance. The six-foot-deep root system helps with erosion, especially when interplanted with other natives it typically associates with, such as little bluestem grass. However, it doesn't compete well with larger prairie grasses. The roots lessen after several years and the plant may disappear after five years, but it readily reseeds itself in favorable sites with low moisture and good drainage.
The term "grama" came to America from Spanish speakers. The word comes from the Latin gramina, which means “grasses.” Thus, “grama grass” basically meaning “grass grass."
Native habitats include rocky open slopes, woodlands, and forest openings. It stays short in spring and serves as a good companion to spring wildflowers. Use in wildflower meadows, micro prairies, or as an accent.
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 1-3' tall.
Prefers full sun and tolerates moderate shade.
Adapts to variety of soils conditions: dry to average, infertile, rocky, shallow, sandy, and clay. Needs initial moisture but is drought tolerant once established. Requires well-drained soils.
Flower heads develop July–September.
Flat leaf blades are about 1 foot long and about ¼" wide; the bases have short, widely spaced hairs along the margins. In spring, the blades have a purplish case. .
Wildlife Value:
Host plant for several skipper species, such as green and dotted; leaf hoppers; and grasshoppers. Birds eat the seeds and use the grass for nesting and cover.
Resources:
USDA:https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/factsheet/pdf/fs_bocu.pdf
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=BOCU
Missouri Dept. of Conservation: https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/sideoats-grama
Outside Pride: https://www.outsidepride.com/seed/native-grass-seed/sideoats-grama-native-grass-seed.html
Scioto Gardens: https://sciotogardens.com/product/bouteloua-curtipendula-1-sideoats-grama/