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Description
Bouteloua Curtipendula, also known as Sideoats Grama, is a warm-season grass native to North America. It is a perennial grass that grows in clumps and can reach a height of up to 3 feet. The grass produces purple seed heads that hang from one side of the stem, which is where it gets its common name.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Cyperales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Bouteloua |
Appearance
Sideoats Grama has thin, green leaves that grow up to 10 inches long. The grass produces purple seed heads that hang from one side of the stem and can reach up to 6 inches long. The seed heads are usually visible from July to September. The grass can grow up to 3 feet tall and has a clumping growth habit.
Care Guide
Bouteloua Curtipendula is a low-maintenance grass that is easy to care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: Water the grass deeply once a week during the growing season. The grass is drought-tolerant and does not require much water.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the grass once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The grass prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
- Sunlight: The grass prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Bouteloua Curtipendula is hardy in zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Bouteloua Curtipendula is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and rust diseases. Insects such as grasshoppers and cutworms can also be a problem.
Habitat
Sideoats Grama is native to North America and can be found in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands. It prefers dry, well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of soil types. The grass is drought-tolerant and can survive in hot, dry climates.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Bouteloua Curtipendula deer-resistant?
A: Yes, the grass is deer-resistant.
Q: Can Bouteloua Curtipendula be grown in containers?
A: No, the grass prefers to be grown in the ground.
Q: How often should Bouteloua Curtipendula be mowed?
A: The grass should be mowed to a height of 2-3 inches in the late spring or early summer.
Q: Does Bouteloua Curtipendula spread by rhizomes?
A: No, the grass does not spread by rhizomes.
Related Plants
- Bouteloua Gracilis
- Bouteloua Hirsuta
- Bouteloua Curtipendula
- Bouteloua Dactyloides
References
- “Bouteloua curtipendula.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j330.
- “Sideoats Grama.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=bocu2.
