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Description
Bouteloua Trifida, commonly known as the Red Grama, is a warm-season perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in the Great Plains region of the United States and Mexico. The plant is named after its reddish-colored seed heads that bloom from summer to fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Bouteloua |
Appearance
Bouteloua Trifida has fine-textured, grayish-green leaves that grow up to 8 inches long and 1/8 inch wide. The plant can reach a height of 12-24 inches and a spread of 6-12 inches. The seed heads are 1-3 inches long with three to six spikes per head. The flowers are usually red, but can also be purple or yellow.
Care Guide
Bouteloua Trifida is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for its care:- Water: The plant is drought-tolerant and only needs water when the soil is completely dry.- Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilizer. A light application of nitrogen-rich fertilizer in the spring can help promote growth.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.- Sunlight: The plant thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Bouteloua Trifida is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Bouteloua Trifida is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to rust and leaf spot diseases. Insects such as grasshoppers and cutworms may also feed on the plant.
Habitat
Bouteloua Trifida is native to the Great Plains region of the United States and Mexico. It is commonly found in prairies, savannas, and other grasslands. The plant is adapted to hot and dry environments and can tolerate drought and fire.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Bouteloua Trifida a good plant for landscaping?
A: Yes, Bouteloua Trifida is a great plant for landscaping. It has a unique appearance and is low-maintenance.
Q: Can Bouteloua Trifida be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Bouteloua Trifida can be grown in containers, but it may not reach its full potential.
Q: How often should Bouteloua Trifida be fertilized?
A: Bouteloua Trifida does not require much fertilizer. A light application of nitrogen-rich fertilizer in the spring can help promote growth.
Q: How tall does Bouteloua Trifida grow?
A: Bouteloua Trifida can reach a height of 12-24 inches.
Related Plants
– Bouteloua Curtipendula- Bouteloua Gracilis- Bouteloua Hirsuta- Bouteloua Rigidiseta
References
– USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Bouteloua Trifida. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=BOTR2- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. (n.d.). Bouteloua Trifida. Retrieved from https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=BOTR2
