General info: Bouteloua gracillis, commonly called blue gramma, is a North American native perennial that thrives in dry to medium soils in full sun. Blue gramma is drought tolerant but cannot handle consistently wet soils. This warm season grass grows in clumps that can reach two feet tall. It has distinctive tufted seed heads that have a purple hue. In colder months this species foliage takes on an orange or red color.

Landscape uses: Bouteloua gracillis is a very versatile native warm season grass. Firstly, this species can tolerate very dry soils. Use this species in tough areas where other species cannot survive. Secondly this species stays pretty low making it a great option for a groundcover or perennial border. Blue gramma stays very attractive year long. It becomes a nice orangey red color in cooler months and stays vibrant green in warmer times of the year.