Bouteloua curtipendula
Common Name: Side-oats Grama
Bouteloua curtipendula, known as Side-oats Grama, is a warm-season perennial grass that typically reaches heights of 1 to 3 feet. It is characterized by its distinctive seed spikes that dangle uniformly along one side of the flowering stem. This grass species thrives in prairies, open woodlands, rocky slopes, and along roadsides, preferring well-drained soils ranging from sandy to clayey textures. Side-oats Grama is valued in landscaping for its drought tolerance, ornamental seed heads, and ability to stabilize soil, making it suitable for prairie restorations and xeriscaping projects.