Bouteloua Gracilis

Blue Grama Grass

outeloua gracilis — commonly known as Blue Grama Grass — is a native North American warm-season ornamental grass prized for its fine texture, drought tolerance, and distinctive seedheads that resemble little “eyelashes.” It’s widely used in prairie restorations, naturalistic landscapes, and low-maintenance plantings where a native, water-wise grass is desired.

Key features
Width / spread: 1–2 ft (typically forms a tight clump)
Height: 1–2 ft (seedheads may extend slightly above foliage)
Foliage color: Blue-green turning bronze in fall/winter
Flower/seedhead color: Tan-to-bronze eye-shaped seedheads in summer–fall
Form: Clumping grass
Life cycle: Warm-season perennial grass

Growing conditions
Sun: Full sun (essential for best performance)
Soil: Dry to moderately fertile; well-drained; tolerates rocky, poor soils
Water: Very low; highly drought tolerant once established
Hardiness:



Zone Low: 3a



Zone High: 9a



Landscape use
Prairie and meadow plantings
Low-water garden landscapes
Native plant gardens
Mass plantings for texture and seedhead interest
Erosion control on dry slopes
Specimen or container accents

Notes
• Signature seedheads are produced in summer and remain attractive into fall and winter.
• Excellent drought tolerance and heat toughness make it ideal for xeric landscapes.
• Blue grama may self-seed in appropriate conditions, blending naturally into native plantings.
• Avoid overly rich, moist soils as they can reduce distinctive texture and seedhead production.

Plant type

Sedge Or Rush

Height

1-2'

Width

1-2'

Hardiness zones

3–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Summer

Soil

Well Drained

Landscape use

Grass

Shape

Clump

Drought tolerant

No