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Blue Grama
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Liliopsida Order: Poales Family: Poaceae Genus: Bouteloua Lag. Species: B. gracilis (Willd. ex Kunth) Lag. ex Griffiths
Binomial name
Bouteloua gracilis Steud.

Blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis (Willd. ex Kunth) Lag. ex Griffiths) is a long-lived, warm season, C4 perennial grass native to North America. It is most commonly found from Alberta east to Manitoba and south across the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, and Midwest states to Mexico. Blue grama accounts for most of the net primary productivity in the shortgrass prairie of the central and southern Great Plains. Blue grama grows on a wide array of topographic positions, and in a range of well-drained soil types, from fine to coarse textured.

Plant height at maturity ranges from 15-30 cm. Roots generally extend 30-46 cm from the edge of the plant, and 0.9-1.8 m deep. Maximum rooting depth is approximately 2 m. Blue grama is green to greyish in appearance.

Blue grama is readily established from seed, but depends more on vegetative reproduction via tillers. Seed production is slow, and depends on soil moisture and temperature. Seeds dispersed by wind only reach a few meters; farther distances are reached with insects, birds, and mammals as dispersal agents. Seedling establishment, survival, and growth are greatest when isolated from neighboring adult plants, which effectively exploit water in the seedling's root zone. Successful establishment requires a modest amount of soil moisture during the extension and development of adventitious roots.

Blue grama in early summer

Established plants are grazing-, cold-, and drought-tolerant, though prolonged drought leads to a reduction in root number and extent. They employ an opportunistic water-use strategy, rapidly using water when available, and becoming dormant during less favorable conditions. In terms of successional status, blue grama is a late seral to climax species. Recovery following disturbance is slow and depends on the type and extent of the disturbance. Blue grama is valued as forage, and for landscaping and erosion control. Blue Grama flowers are also used in dried flower arrangements.

Blue grama is the state grass of Colorado and New Mexico, and is listed as an endangered species in Illinois.

• Anderson, M.D. 2003. Bouteloua gracilis. In: Fire Effects Information System. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer).
• USDA NRCS plant profile