Blue grama grows in bunches in the south, and as a sod-former in the north and at high elevations. It is a perennial . This is an important, drought-resistant, short grass in the mixed prairies and throughout the Great Plains and the Southwest. It can be confused with Hairy Grama Grass (B.
How do you seed blue grama?
- For a Blue Grama lawn use 3-4 lbs per 1,000 sq. ...
- Mix weighed seed with slightly moist sand in a ratio of 2 parts sand to 1 part seed so sowing is even.
How do you plant blue grama grass?
Blue grama grass makes a fine native turf grass when seeded at the proper density. We recommend seeding at a rate of 3 to 4 pounds per 1000 square feet . Seeds can be sown beginning in late spring or early summer when night temperatures reach 60° F.
Is blue grama a bunch grass?
Bouteloua gracilis
Blue Grama exhibits a variable growth form in the southern states it grows normally as a bunch grass , but in the northern states and in the mountains, or in areas under heavy grazing pressure, it is a sod former. Narrow, bluish-gray leaf fine blades form a dense clump growing 12 to 15 inches tall.
Is blue grama invasive?
A safe alternative to this damaging invasive is Blue grama grass, or Bouteloua gracilis ‘Blonde Ambition’. This plant boasts pretty, eyelash-shaped flowers and is a low-maintenance lawn substitute in every region except California’s most arid.
How long does blue grama take to grow?
Warm night temperatures, evenly moist (but not soggy) soil and rain showers will help Grama grass to germinate quickly, usually within 7 to 10 days of planting .
Can I overseed with blue grama?
There are two potential problems with overseeding with buffalograss or a mixture of the two grasses (buffalograss and blue grama) native to Colorado: ... Buffalograss and blue grama need several hours of full sun to grow well. They can manage in some dappled shade as long as they have had several hours of full sun as well.
Is blue grama poisonous?
The grass tolerates shallow soil, as well as air pollution, and may be grown near black walnut trees (Juglans nigra), which grow in USDA zones 4 through 9, despite the toxic chemicals secreted from their roots .
Do you cut back blue grama grass?
‘Blonde Ambition’ Blue Grama Grass provides exceptional winter interest as the stems of seed heads pop up even after a heavy snow and remain standing through winter, giving the grass 6 to 8 months of garden color and texture. ... Cut back old stems to 2-3” above ground-level in mid-spring .
Is blue grama deer resistant?
Blonde Ambition Blue Grama is hardy in USDA planting zones 4 through 9. This deer resistant and drought tolerant grass can be used in mass plantings, as an accent plant or to add height in a perennial or mixed garden. It will happily take on the thriller role in a large container garden.
Is buffalo grass good for lawns?
It is the only native grass that is also useful as a lawn grass. Buffalo grass lawns are warm season turf which are drought tolerant with better cold resistance than other warm season grasses. ... As a wild plant, buffalo grass is an important range and pasture plant used by native and domestic grazers.
Is blue grama grass native to Colorado?
Native to most states in the U.S., blue grama is found in most counties in the central and western United States. Blue grama is the state grass of Colorado and New Mexico and is an endangered species in Illinois.
Is blue grama native to Colorado?
Blue grama is one of the most common native grasses of the short grass prairie and has been designated as the state grass of Colorado because of its widespread distribution and importance. ... Blue grama does not recover well from heavy foot traffic.
Is blue grama grass safe for dogs?
Though water-guzzling turf is not sustainable, your dog may appreciate a small patch (100 ft2 will suffice) of low-growing, drought-tolerant native grass —such as Bouteloua gracilis (blue grama grass) or Agrostis pallens (San Diego bentgrass).
Is purple needle grass purple?
The plant produces copious seed, up to 227 pounds per acre in dense stands. The pointed fruit is purple-tinged when young and has an awn up to 10 centimeters long which is twisted and bent twice. The shape of the seed helps it self-bury. Purple needlegrass became the California State Grass in 2004.
