BOUTELOUA CURTIPENDULA / SIDE OATS GRAMA

BOUTELOUA CURTIPENDULA / SIDE OATS GRAMA

A Hardy, Ornamental Grass with Beautiful Seed Heads and Year-Round Interest

Bouteloua curtipendula, commonly known as Side Oats Grama, is a native ornamental grass prized for its unique seed heads and graceful form. This warm-season grass thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, offering year-round beauty and interest. In summer, its arching stems are adorned with distinctive, oat-like seed heads that sway in the breeze, adding movement and texture to gardens and landscapes. Its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils make it an ideal choice for low-maintenance and xeriscape gardens.

Why Choose Side Oats Grama?

• Distinctive Seed Heads: Its unique seed heads are arranged on one side of the stem, creating a striking visual effect.

• Drought Tolerant & Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal water and maintenance, thriving in dry, well-drained soils.

• Attracts Pollinators: The flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

• Year-Round Interest: The grass offers visual appeal from summer through fall, and the dried seed heads provide winter interest.

Key Features

• Flower Color: Greenish-yellow flowers bloom in mid-summer, developing into distinctive, oat-like seed heads.

• Foliage: Blue-green leaves that turn golden-yellow to red in fall, providing seasonal interest.

• Growth Habit: Clump-forming with an upright, arching growth habit.

• Hardiness: Tolerates a range of climates, performing best in USDA Zones 3–9.

Specifications

• Plant Size: Typically grows 18–36 inches tall and 18–24 inches wide.

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9, suitable for a variety of growing conditions.

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun for optimal growth and flowering.

• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerant of poor soils and drought once established.

Ideal Uses

• Xeriscaping: Perfect for low-water gardens and xeriscaping designs.

• Native Plant Gardens: A great choice for creating a natural, native meadow or prairie garden.

• Borders & Mass Plantings: Ideal for planting in mass or along the edges of garden beds for texture and movement.

• Wildlife Gardens: Attracts pollinators and provides habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Bouteloua curtipendula, or Side Oats Grama, is an elegant and resilient grass that adds movement, texture, and seasonal beauty to the landscape. Its drought tolerance, unique seed heads, and low-maintenance nature make it a valuable addition to any garden or landscape design.

NATIVE TO ONTARIO