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Botanical name: Bouteloua curtipendula
This native variety is noted for its distinctive arrangement of oat-like that hang from only one side of the flowering stem; purplish inflorescences mature to tan as the seeds mature; blue-green foliage turns reddish-purple in fall; use as a border accent.
| Hardiness zone | 4a |
|---|---|
| Flower color | purple |
| Foliage type | deciduous * |
| Plant form | over mound |
| Mature height | 18 inches (3 feet with the flowers) |
| Spread | 24 inches |
| Light requirements | full sun |
| Moisture requirements | dry to moist |
| Plant origin | Texas Native |
* deciduous = loses leaves in winter
Sideoats Grama features airy spikes of purple flowers rising above the foliage in mid summer. Its attractive grassy leaves are bluish-green in color. As an added bonus, the foliage turns a gorgeous plum purple in the fall. The fruit is not ornamentally significant.
Sideoats Grama is an herbaceous perennial grass with tall flower stalks held atop a low mound of foliage. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.
This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Sideoats Grama is recommended for the following landscape applications;
Mass Planting, General Garden Use, Groundcover, Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens
Sideoats Grama will grow to be about 18 inches tall at maturity extending to 3 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 24 inches. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years.
This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under typical garden conditions. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in poor soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is native to parts of our region.
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