
sideoats grama grass
Bouteloua curtipendula (sideoats grama) is one of the great native grasses found at Lurie Garden. Birds are attracted to the plant as a source of seed and nesting material. Caterpillars of the dotted skipper butterfly (Hesperia attalus) occasionally use B. curtipendula as a food source.
This Poaceae is native to prairies and open woodlands throughout the United States and southern Canada, including Illinois. Sideoats grama is a clump-forming grass that grows up to 1 m (2.5 ft.) tall, with clumps reaching up to 0.5 m (2 ft.) wide. In the garden setting, plants tolerate a wide range of soil types. Being a prairie-adapted species, B. curtipendula is highly drought-tolerant once established.
Flowers are produced in July-August on arching oat-like spikes, with individual flowers hanging from one side of the inflorescence only. This characteristic gives B. curtipendula its common name, sideoats grama. Individual flowers are purple-tinged and quite small. Sideoats grama brings tremendous fall and winter interest to the garden, with leaves turning brown and flowering spikes turning a dull tan. Both leaves and flowering spikes persist throughout the winter.
Botanical Name | Bouteloua curtipendula |
Common Name | sideoats grama grass |
Family | Poaceae |
USDA Zone | 4 thru 9 |
Light Requirement | Full Sun |
Season(s) of interest | summer, fall, winter |
Height and Spread | 1.5-2.5ft x 1.5-2ft (45-75cm x 45-60cm) |
Flower Color | Light Purple |
Attracts Wildlife | Provides Food for Birds, Hosts Caterpillars of Butterflies/Moths, |
Additional Information | Native to Chicago Region. |
Location in Lurie Garden | Northwest Light Plate, Southwest Light Plate |
Average Flowering Time
