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| ## blue grama {#blue-grama .Title-Header}                             |
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| *Bouteloua gracilis* (Willd. ex Kunth.) Lag. ex Griffiths             |
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| Plant Symbol = BOGR2                                                  |
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Contributed by: USDA NRCS Plant Materials Program

##### Uses {#uses .Header-3}

*Livestock*: In southern states, blue grama grows as a bunchgrass; in
northern states or areas of heavy grazing pressure, it is a sod former.

*Erosion control*: Blue grama is suitable for mixtures of grasses used
in erosion control, low maintenance turf plantings, and surface mine
revegetation.

##### Status {#status .Header-3}

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural
Resources for this plant's current status (e.g. threatened or endangered
species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).

##### Description {#description .Header-3}

*Bouteloua gracilis*, blue grama, is a major warm season grass found
throughout the Great Plains. The plant is fairly short, reaching 10 to
20 inches with narrow basal leaves of 3 to 6 inches. Blue grama grows in
definite bunches and reproduces by tillering and by seed. Mature seed
heads are curved, resembling a human eyebrow. Blue grama can be found
growing in association with buffalograss, western wheatgrass,
needlegrasses and in some areas the bluegrasses.

##### Adaptation and Distribution {#adaptation-and-distribution .Header-3}

Blue grama demonstrates good drought, fair salinity, and moderate
alkalinity tolerances. In its dormant state, it will also tolerate
burning. Blue grama will not tolerate dense shade, flooding, a high
water table, or acid soils.

Blue grama is distributed throughout the western United States. For a
current distribution map, please consult the Plant Profile page for this
species on the PLANTS
Website.![](media/image2.wmf){width="2.915277777777778in"
height="1.948611111111111in"}

##### Establishment {#establishment .Header-3}

As with all native grasses, proper ground preparation is one of the most
important considerations. The seedbed should be firm but not solid;
cultivation to kill the roots of cool-season grasses is essential.
Planting may be done by either drilling or broadcasting, with the seed
being sown no more than 1/4 to 1/2 inches deep at a rate of 1 to 3
pounds PLS/acre. Seeding in late spring is recommended in the Great
Plains; earlier seeding is recommended in areas further south. In the
Southwest, seeding should be done during the period from June 15 to July
15. Mulching and irrigation is recommended on harsh sites. Soil tests
should be made to test the soils for deficiencies. Blue grama will
tolerate low-nutrient soils better than acidic conditions. Planting
should be done by a native grass seed drill. In western areas plant blue
grama in a sorghum cover crop, stubble, or in with the crop itself.

##### Management {#management .Header-3}

Once the grass is established, it is very palatable to livestock all
year long. Since growing points are at or near the ground surface, the
grass withstands fairly close grazing. For best yields, defer grazing
during the growing season every 2 to 3 years. Blue grama cures well on
stem, making it a good grass for grazing during the dormant season.
Renovation of sodbound stands is also recommended. Weeds can be
controlled by use of herbicides, mowing or controlled grazing.

##### Pests and Potential Problems {#pests-and-potential-problems .Header-3}

There are no known serious pests of blue grama grass.

##### Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials (and area of origin) {#cultivars-improved-and-selected-materials-and-area-of-origin .Header-3}

Improved materials include the cultivars 'Lovington' (NM), 'Hachita'
(NM), and 'Alma' (NM) and the selected class release Bad River Ecotype
(SD). Seeds are available at most commercial seed sources.

##### Prepared By & Species Coordinator:  {#prepared-by-species-coordinator .Header-3}

USDA NRCS Plant Materials Program

Edited: 01Feb2002 JLK; 31may06jsp

For more information about this and other plants, please contact your
local NRCS field office or Conservation District, and visit the PLANTS
Web site\<[http://plants.usda.gov](http://plants.usda.gov/)\> or the
Plant Materials Program Web site
\<[http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov](http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov/)\>

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*To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of
Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence
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