Bouteloua curtipendula Sideoats Grama
General
Native, perennial, clump forming warm season grass. The species epithet comes from Latin curtus "shortened" and pendulus "hanging". Flowers all hang from one side of the flowering stem. Can be grown in a wide variety of soil types, provided they are well-drained. Good for erosion control as seed needs no stratification and can germinate within a week (+/-) and has a vigorous root system. Usually deer resistant. Seed head similar to oats.
Plant Description
1.5-2.5 ft tall, with small pendulous flowers (with red anthers) which hang from one side of stem. Clump forming.
Height (ft)
1.5-2.5 ft
Soil moisture
Medium to dry
Soil types
All types, except wet
Wetland indicator
FACU
Shade tolerance
Full Sun
Bloom color
Red
Bloom period
July/August
Drought tolerance
Medium
Salinity tolerance
None
Range
Broadly distributed across the U.S.A. but appears sporadically throughout CT, NY, PA, NJ.
Additional Information
According to the USDA Fire Effects Information System, Native Americans used bunched up Bouteloua curtipendula for brooms and brushes.