Operation
NICE! plant of the season
Winter 2007
Grass: Sideoats
Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula)
Photo: by Lon Turnbull
Description: Sideoats
Grama is a bunch grass that is the official state grass of Texas. It
takes its name from the oat-like seeds that are found on one side of
the stem. As a clump-forming grass, Sideoats Grama is
well-behaved in a part shade to sunny garden where it provides a nice
accent during all four seasons. Its seeds and dried foliage
are a
lovely focal point in the winter, and are a source of food and cover
for birds. Sideoats Grama usually reaches 2-3 feet each
summer. In the early spring, it may be cut or mowed 4-5
inches
above the soil. Sideoats Grama grows slowly as it emerges
from winter dormancy, making it a good choice to have near
spring-flowering plants. During the summer it continues to
grow,
reaching its full height and setting seed. Like other native
Texas grasses, it is extremely drought tolerant.
Bloom/berry period: Blooms:
Flowers with orange-red anthers bloom on one side of the stalk in
spring. Seed: June through the winter, if not eaten
by
birds.
Planting sites: Plant in
dappled or partial shade or sun. This plant likes
well-drained
moderately alkaline soil and needs no amendments. Allow at
least
2-3 feet between plants. After planting, water well and
mulch. It may also be started from seed; early moisture is
important to survival of young seedlings.
Watering Instructions: Sideoats Grama may be
watered until established. After it is established, it is
drought tolerant.
Comments: Sideoats Grama
is beautiful all year. Its summer leaves are bluish-green,
becoming a reddish-brown color in the fall. Its seeds are
pale
ivory to tan. The seeds move in the breeze, swaying with the
wind. As Sideoats Grama matures over several years, it tends
to
grow outward from the original plant and eventually the center can die
out. When this happens, it should be dug up and divided, and
a
clump from the edge can be planted in the middle. It may be
cut
back in early spring before the new growth has started, but should not
be cut back again until after the first frost when it enters winter
dormancy. Use Sideoats Grama like you would a small
ornamental
shrub or large perennial.
Look for the NICE! Plant of the Season signs and information sheets on
your next visit to a participating
North Texas nursery. Thank
you for using native plants in your landscapes.
Written by: Dr. Rebecca Dickstein, Professor of Biology, University of
North Texas.
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Last noted update by
Lon: September 25, 2007.