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Side-Oats Grama

Bouteloua curtipendula

Side-Oats Grama

A closeup of the hanging spikes of sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) in bloom, with orange stamens hanging below a

Bouteloua curtipendula, commonly known as sideoats grama, is a perennial, short prairie grass that is native throughout the temperate and tropical Western Hemisphere, from Canada south to Argentina. The species epithet comes from Latin curtus "shortened" and pendulus "hanging".

Quick Facts
Scientific name Bouteloua curtipendula
Family Poaceae
Height 1-3 ft
Bloom time Jun-Aug
Sun Full sun
Moisture Dry
Soil Sand, gravel, clay
Wildlife value Seed spikelets hang from one side of the stem; host to several skippers

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Image Credits

  • Unknown (Public domain)
  • Erutuon (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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