Bouteloua hirsuta

Bouteloua hirsuta, commonly known as hairy grama, is a warm-season, perennial grass species native to the prairies of North America. It is a highly adaptable grass that can grow in a variety of soil types, including clay, sand, and rocky soils, and is drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and water-wise landscaping.

Hairy grama typically grows between 6 to 30 inches tall and forms dense clumps with hairy, thread-like leaves that are green to gray-green in color. It produces distinctive seed heads that are held upright and resemble tiny spikes, which are highly attractive to wildlife, providing a valuable source of food for birds and small mammals.

In addition to its ecological benefits, Bouteloua hirsuta is also used for forage and hay production, and is an important component of grassland restoration projects. Its ornamental qualities make it a popular choice for landscaping, and it is often used in ecological landscaping and carbon sequestration projects.

Hairy grama is a low-maintenance grass that requires little water or fertilizer once established, making it an ideal choice for sustainable and environmentally friendly landscaping. It is also a pollinator plant, attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.

For most homeowners, the best option is to scatter seed on the ground by hand broadcasting at a minimum of 15-16 pls lbs per acre.  For even coverage, we recommend that you broadcast seed in perpendicular rows across the site to ensure even coverage.

Simply dig a hole in the soil slightly larger than the plant’s roots. Ensure that the soil line of the plant is maintained during the transfer (i.e. the plant should be at the same level with the ground as it was in the pot). Pack any loose dirt back around the plant and make sure you water it well the same day to ensure it has the best chance of survival.