What is Blue Grama?
A resilient Blue Grama grass, a standout among native grasses and ornamental grasses. It is prized for its beauty and ranks among the most drought tolerant grasses. Blue Grama varieties thrive across the Great Plains and Intermountain West, making this low water grass ideal for eco-conscious lawns, wildflower mixes, naturalized landscapes, and its graze resistance makes it perfect for pastures.
Specifications
Sun Requirement
Full Sun
Soil Preference
Any Texture
Soil pH
6.5 – 7.8
Time to Maturity
1-2 years
Height when mature
6-24 inches
Seeding Rate
20 lbs/ acre
Planting Depth
1/4th - 1/2 Inches deep Max
Blue Grama
Bouteloua gracilis | SKU: PG-BOGR
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Description
Built for Dry Climates
Blue Grama thrives with minimal water, making it one of the most drought-tolerant pasture grasses available—perfect for saving on irrigation in arid regions.
Minimal Upkeep Required
No mowing, fertilizing, or spraying needed. Blue Grama keeps your land productive with almost zero maintenance.
Erosion Control
With a deep, fibrous root system, Blue Grama holds soil in place on slopes and open ground, helping prevent erosion, runoff, and topsoil loss.
Resilient Grazing Forage
This hardy prairie grass stands up to heavy grazing while providing quality forage. It bounces back quickly, keeping your pasture full without frequent reseeding.
Ornamental Value
With its fine blue-green blades and signature seed heads, Blue Grama adds beauty to landscapes year-round—lush in summer, golden in fall—and needs very little care to thrive.
Description
Detail Product
Sun/Shade
Full Sun
Height
N/a
Seeding Rate
20 Lbs/Acre
Uses
Agricultural Conservation, Erosion Control, Turf, Commercial Beautification, Habitat Restoration, Land Reclamation
Color
Green
Water
Green
Native
Southwest, Intermountain West, Midwest
Life Form
Grass
Blue Grama Uses
Blue Grama is a resilient, warm-season grass that provides high-quality forage for livestock. Its palatability and ability to withstand heavy grazing make it an excellent choice for sustainable pasture management. Once established, it thrives in various soil types, from sandy to clayey textures .
With its deep, fibrous root system, Blue Grama effectively stabilizes soil, making it ideal for erosion control on slopes and open grounds. It’s commonly used in rangeland reclamation, roadside plantings, and erosion control projects .
Blue Grama’s drought tolerance and minimal maintenance requirements make it perfect for low-water-use lawns and naturalistic landscapes. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, requiring infrequent mowing and no fertilization .
As a native grass, Blue Grama supports local ecosystems by providing habitat and food for various wildlife, including pollinators and ground-nesting birds. Its presence enhances biodiversity and contributes to a balanced environment .
Ornamental Appeal
Beyond its practical uses, Blue Grama adds aesthetic value to landscapes with its fine-textured blue-green blades and distinctive eyelash-like seed heads. It’s an attractive addition to ornamental gardens and native plantings .
Questions & Answers
What is Blue Grama grass and why do landowners plant it?
Blue Grama is a native, warm-season perennial grass that grows 10–20 inches tall and is built for dry conditions. Known for its drought toughness and unique eyelash-like seed heads, it offers both practical use and visual appeal.
Landowners plant Blue Grama because it’s incredibly low-maintenance and works well for grazing, erosion control, native restoration, and water-wise landscaping. It holds up in tough climates, thrives on very little water, and is often used alongside Buffalograss for hardy, natural turf.
Is Blue Grama grass good forage for grazing livestock?
Yes. Blue Grama is high-quality summer forage that cattle and other livestock readily graze. While it doesn’t produce as much volume as taller grasses, it delivers solid nutrition and holds its value even into winter when left standing. Its shorter growth means it’s not ideal for hay, but in a grazing mix, it adds durability and drought tolerance while other species provide bulk.
How do I plant Blue Grama seeds for pasture use?
Start with a clean, firm seedbed and remove competing vegetation. Sow seeds no deeper than 1/4 inch (1/2 inch max), using 1–3 lbs per acre. Plant in late spring or early summer, depending on your region. Keep the soil lightly packed and moist until seedlings establish. Since Blue Grama starts slow, controlling weeds early on and ensuring moisture in the beginning gives you the best chance at a strong pasture.
How much water does Blue Grama need, and is it really drought tolerant?
Absolutely. Once established, Blue Grama can survive on just 7 inches of annual rainfall. It naturally goes dormant during dry spells and quickly comes back when it rains. This makes it perfect for dryland pastures and low-water-use lawns. In most parts of the Great Plains or the Intermountain West, you won’t need to irrigate it at all—ideal for cutting water costs while maintaining healthy forage or cover.
Can Blue Grama withstand heavy grazing, and how should I manage a Blue Grama pasture?
Blue Grama handles grazing well, thanks to its low-growing points that protect it from being overgrazed. It recovers fast and can form dense sod, especially in cooler areas. To keep it productive, graze it above 3 inches during the growing season and rotate or rest your pasture periodically. This helps the grass reseed and stay strong year after year.
Can Blue Grama grass be used as a low-maintenance lawn or ornamental grass?
Definitely. Blue Grama works great for natural-looking, water-saving lawns. Its fine blades and unique seed heads create a soft, prairie-style turf that doesn’t need much mowing, fertilizer, or water. You can leave it unmowed for a more natural look, or trim it occasionally for tidiness. Varieties like ‘Blonde Ambition’ add even more ornamental value with golden seed spikes—making it a smart pick for xeriscaping or native yards.
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