United States 

Department of 

Agriculture

Natural 

Resources 

Conservation 

Service

Plant Materials Center

June 2010

Sideoats Grama

(Bouteloua curtipendula)

Performance Trials

North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota
Who We Are

Plants are an important tool for conservation. 

The Bismarck Plant Materials Center (PMC) is part 

of the United States Department of Agriculture, 

Natural Resouces Conservation Service

(USDA, NRCS). It is one of a network of 27 

centers nationwide dedicated to providing 

vegetative solutions to conservation problems. 

The Plant Materials program has been providing 

conservation plant materials and technology 

since 1934.

Contact Us

USDA, NRCS Plant Materials Center

3308 University Drive

Bismarck, ND 58504

Phone: (701)250-4330

Fax: (701)250-4334

http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov

Acknowledgements

Cooperators and partners in the warm-season 

grass evaluation trials, together with the USDA, 

NRCS Plant Materials Center at Bismarck, ND, 

have included: the U.S. Department of Interior, 

Fish and Wildlife Service (J. Clark Salyer 

National Wildlife Refuge near Upham, ND; the 

Wetland Management District at Fergus Falls, 

MN; and the Karl E. Mundt National Wildlife 

Refuge near Pickstown, SD); the South Dakota 

Department of Agriculture Forestry Division; 

the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, 

and Parks; the Minnesota Department of 

Natural Resources, Division of Forestry; the 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; the USDA, 

NRCS field and area offices and Soil and 

Water Conservation District offices located at 

Bottineau, ND; Fergus Falls, MN; Lake Andes, 

SD; Onida, SD; Rochester, MN; and Pierre, SD; 

the Southeastern Minnesota Association of Soil 

and Water Conservation Districts; the Hiawatha 

Valley Resource Conservation and Development 

Area (Minnesota); and the North Central 

Resource Conservation and Development Office 

(South Dakota).

In this photo: 

 sideoats grama seed 

remains as clumps 

of spikelets after 

processing
Sideoats Grama

(Bouteloua curtipendula)

Performance Trials

North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota

Dwight Tober, Plant Materials Specialist; Nancy Jensen, Agronomist; 

Wayne Duckwitz, Plant Materials Center Manager; 

and Mike Knudson, Assistant Plant Materials Center Manager; 

USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bismarck, North Dakota

Sideoats grama [Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx.)Torr.] is a warm-season, perennial grass. It is a sod forming 

grass with short, scaly rhizomes but has a tufted, bunchy appearance. It grows 8-24 inches in height and 

is considered a short to midstatured grass. The leaves have distinct stiff hairs along the margins. They are 

normally flat and bluish green with a purplish cast in the early stages of growth. Late in the summer, the 

entire plant may take on a reddish cast. The basal leaves curl and dry to a brownish white upon curing. The 

small, oat-like seeds hang down uniformly on one side of the stem, hence the name “sideoats.” The plant is 

quite showy at flowering with its reddish orange anthers and purplish spikes (see inside back cover).

Sideoats grama occurs naturally throughout the United States except for the Northwest and Southeast. It 

extends west from southern Ontario to Alberta, Canada and south into Mexico (Larson and Johnson, 1999). 

It grows in elevations ranging from below 325 ft to 8,200 ft (Barkworth et al., 2007). Sideoats grama is 

common in a variety of upland habitats including dry prairie, foothills, pine savanna, and rocky or eroded 

slopes, often in thinly developed, calcareous, and fine textured soils. It is often growing in association 

with blue grama, western wheatgrass, and little bluestem but may be found growing in association with 

Indiangrass, switchgrass, 

and big bluestem on 

overflow ecological sites. 

Ease of establishment, 

good seedling vigor, and 

drought tolerance are 

recognized attributes. 

Sideoats grama is 

considered a good quality 

winter and summer 

forage. It is relished by 

livestock and grazing 

wildlife and its seeds are 

eaten by upland birds 

(Larson and Johnson, 

1999).

Dry matter forage 

production and other 

plant performance 

1

Figure 1. Locations of warm-season grass trials in 

North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota
documentation were compiled for sideoats 

grama and six other warm-season grass 

species from 1982 to 1992 at six sites in 

North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota 

(Jacobson et al., 1986). The effect of seed 

origin (parentage) on plant performance was 

observed. Four varieties of sideoats grama 

were evaluated with origin varying from 

North Dakota to Nebraska (USDA, 2006).

Trial Sites

The trial sites were studied in 

cooperation with numerous partners (see 

acknowledgements inside front cover). They 

were located near Upham, ND; Fergus Falls, MN; Rochester, MN; Lake Andes, SD; Onida, SD; and Fort 

Pierre, SD (Fig. 1). Soils and precipitation information are included with the tables (pages 6-11). Growing 

seasons at the six locations varied from an average of 110 days at Upham, ND, to an average of 150 days at 

Rochester, MN. Average annual precipitation ranged from 15 to 30 inches. Seven to nine different species 

of warm-season grasses were evaluated at each site. Each species included two or more varieties or seed 

sources. Sideoats grama is the only species presented in this report.

Methods and Materials

The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three replications for data collection. An 

evaluation array was seeded for demonstration purposes. Plot size varied from 12 to 15 feet in width, and 

from 60 to 100 feet in length. A clean, firm seedbed was prepared by disking, harrowing, and roller packing. 

The plots were seeded using a grass drill. Herbicides were used for weed control. Biomass residue was 

removed each spring either by mowing and raking, or burning. No fertilizer was applied.

Data collection at all six locations included stand ratings, plant height, weed contamination, stand index 

density, phenology, and annual biomass production. Only forage production, stand density, and phenology 

are presented and discussed in this report.

Stand index density was determined by 

estimating the number of plants in a 9-inch 

by 16-inch quadrat. Ten quadrats were 

systematically counted near the center line 

of each plot. A density index rating was 

developed. Values ranging from 0 to 40 

plants per square foot were used to estimate 

density for each subsample.

Dry matter yield was documented at all 

sites beginning the second year following 

establishment. Biomass production was 

determined by clipping a 2-foot by 10-foot 

subplot in each plot with a forage harvester. 

Sampling dates were as close as possible to 

2

Plots were planted into a clean, firm seedbed
the end of the growing season (first killing frost). The sample plots were systematically located within each 

plot across the treatment and clipped to a stubble height of approximately 2 inches. After weighing the large 

samples, small (100 gram) grab samples were weighed, oven-dried at 60 degrees C for 48 hours, and used for 

dry matter determinations. Forage production is reported in pounds per acre (USDA NRCS, multiple years).

Estimating plant 

density in 

10 quadrats/plot 

to determine 

stand index

Plots were 

seeded with 

the same 

native

 grass drill

3

Harvesting 

10-foot by 

2-foot strips 

to determine 

forage 

production
4

Variety/Seed Source Origins (USDA SCS, 1994)

Killdeer

Seed was collected in 1956 from native stands 

in western North Dakota. The collection sites 

were in Bowman County near the town of 

Bowman, and Dunn County, near the town of 

Killdeer. Annual precipitation in these areas 

averages approximately 15 inches. The seed 

collections were tested at the Bismarck Plant 

Materials Center (PMC) as PM-ND-143 and 

PM-ND-89 against various other field collections. 

They were selected as the two outstanding 

field collections from North Dakota. The seed 

of these two collections was composited and 

informally released as Killdeer in the late 1960s 

by the USDA, SCS (now NRCS), Bismarck, ND. 

Killdeer is described as outstanding in vigor and 

leafiness, fair seed production, and free from disease at Bismarck. Collections comprising Killdeer have the 

most northern origins when compared to Pierre, Butte, or Trailway. Common seed is available for Killdeer. 

The original breeder seed field is no longer maintained by USDA. Killdeer had the highest forage production 

at Upham, the northernmost site.

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

Upham

Fergus Falls

Lake Andes

Onida

Rochester

Ft. Pierre 

pounds/acre

Location

Killdeer sideoats grama

5-year average forage production

Pierre

The original seed was collected in 1954 on 

native range in Stanley County, South Dakota, 

approximately five miles west of the city of Fort 

Pierre. Seed was collected from several plants 

with outstanding vigor, growing on a south slope 

in a shale range site. The seed collection was 

tested at the Bismarck PMC as PM-SD-251 and 

PI-476980. The comparison trials had many 

other field collections and the variety Butte. 

Phenology, forage yield, and adaptation to 

soil and climate were extensively examined in 

advanced evaluation studies and field plantings 

in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. 

Pierre sideoats grama was informally released 

by USDA, SCS (now NRCS), Bismarck, ND, 

and the South Dakota Agriculture Experiment Station, Brookings, SD, in the mid 1960s. Pierre is described 

as outstanding in vigor, leafiness, freedom from disease, seedling vigor, and persistence in a cold, semiarid 

environment. It compares well with other sideoats releases in forage and seed production. Foundation and 

certified seed is available. Pierre had the highest forage production at Upham and Lake Andes which had the 

two most fertile soils.

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

Upham

Fergus Falls

Lake Andes

Onida

Rochester

Ft. Pierre 

pounds/acre

Location

Pierre sideoats grama

5-year average forage production
5

Butte

Native collections were from Holt County and 

Platte County in northeast Nebraska. Field 

plantings revealed superiority of seedling 

vigor and establishment when compared with 

other sources. The collections were eventually 

combined and increased for further testing as 

Nebraska 37. Seed was distributed for testing in 

1948. Butte was released as a cultivar in 1958 

by the Nebraska Agriculture Experiment Station; 

Plant Science Research Division, ARS; and Plant 

Sciences Division, SCS. Butte is described as 

winter-hardy, long-lived, relatively early maturing, 

large caryopsis, and excellent seedling vigor. In 

eastern Nebraska, it produces an excellent seed 

crop, maturing in mid-August. It matures seed 

before frost in north-central and western districts of Nebraska and is grown for seed as far north as central 

Minnesota. Similar to Killdeer and Pierre, forage production was highest at Upham and Lake Andes.

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

Upham

Fergus Falls

Lake Andes

Onida

Rochester

Ft. Pierre 

pounds/acre

Location

Butte sideoats grama

5-year average forage production

Trailway

The original plant material was collected in 1935 

from a population growing along an abandoned 

roadway in northern Holt County in northeast 

Nebraska. The true identity is unknown because 

it was collected along a roadside. Plants of the 

collection were compared with other collections 

at the Nebraska Agriculture Experiment Station 

and selected for late maturity and freedom from 

rust. The selection was carried through three 

generations, resulting in harvest and increase of 

seed from these groups and combined for increase 

and testing as Nebraska 52. Trailway was released 

as a cultivar in 1958. It is described as winterhardy, long-lived, late maturing, and comparable 

in growth type to varieties of more southerly 

origin. It is somewhat indeterminate in heading and flowering, exhibiting considerable variability in maturity. 

It requires most of the growing season to mature seed in eastern Nebraska, and may fail to produce seed 

crops in regions with shorter seasons. In Nebraska, it is recommended for upland plantings in eastern and 

southern districts. It had the highest forage production at Lake Andes, the southernmost site.

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

Upham

Fergus Falls

Lake Andes

Onida

Rochester

Ft. Pierre 

pounds/acre

Location

Trailway sideoats grama

5-year average forage production
6

Upham, North Dakota

Average annual precipitation for the five years of forage production harvest was near normal. Killdeer, the 

northernmost origin variety tested, had the highest average forage production (3,826 lb/ac) and the highest 

average density (25) at Upham, which was the northernmost site. Butte was rated second in both categories 

(3,718 lb/ac and 24), which was somewhat unusual given its Nebraska origin. Butte is recommended for 

use in North Dakota (Sedivec et al., 2001). Pierre performed well and was ranked third at this location. 

Trailway rated last in both categories (3,134 lb/ac and 14) and had severe winter injury the first year. 

The plots averaged 2 plants/ft2

 recorded as dead the following spring. Trailway had the highest average 

forage production the two years below average rainfall was received, and the lowest forage production the 

three years above average rainfall was received. During three of the five years, there were no significant 

differences (P=.05) in average forage production among varieties. Both Killdeer and Pierre had mature seed 

in early August compared to Butte which had 50 percent ripe seed, and Trailway which was just beginning to 

show ripe seed..

Upham, ND (MLRA 55A, north central North Dakota) 

Average Annual Precipitation: 16.08 inches

Soils: Great Bend silty clay loam

(pounds/acre) Stand

 Variety Biomass1 Index2 Phenology3

 (inches) 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 Avg Rank 1982-1984* Early Aug.

 Precip. deviation (0.98) (0.9) (1.63) (-0.09) (-1.23)

 Killdeer 5354a 3844a 4472a 3312a 2150a 3826 1 25 8

 Pierre 4432a 3475ab 4303a 3550a 1582a 3468 3 23 8

 Butte 5427a 3978a 4315a 2885a 1988a 3718 2 24 7

 Trailway 3529a 2542b 2965b 3881a 2757a 3134 4 14 6

Statistical Analyses: Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test, means with same letter are not significantly different (P=.05) 1

Biomass: flail-type forage harvester, 2’ x 10’ strip in each plot clipped to a 2-inch stubble height 2

Stand Index: Estimate of plant density in 10 (1.0 sq ft) quadrats per plot. Full frame=40 3

Phenology (1984): 1=vegetative; 2=jointing; 3=first emergence of inflorescence; 4=first anthesis,10 culms or more;

 5=50% anthesis; 6=first seed ripe; 7=50% seed ripe; 8=seed mature; 9=complete dormancy

* Data is an average from these years

Butte performed well 

and was comparable to Killdeer A mosaic of plots
7

Fergus Falls, Minnesota

The soils on this site are a well drained loam complex formed in calcareous glacial till. Two years were well 

below normal precipitation, 1983 (-3.96) and 1987 (-7.2), and 1986 was more than 6 inches above normal. 

Trailway had highest average forage yield every year even though average stand index densities (11) were 

less than half of the other three varieties. Killdeer, Pierre, and Butte had average stand index ratings of 26, 

25, and 23, respectively. The five-year average forage yield for Trailway was 2,068 lb/ac, which was twice 

that of second ranked Pierre (1,036 lb/ac). The other three varieties were not significantly different (P=.05) 

in any of the five years. Although Trailway had the highest forage productions, it would be questionable how 

long the higher yields would continue given the reduced stand index. Killdeer and Pierre had mature seed in 

early September. Butte was 50 percent ripe, and Trailway was still at 50 percent anthesis.

Fergus Falls, MN (MLRA 102A, west central Minnesota)

Average Annual Precipitation: 23.52 inches 

Soils: Barnes and Langhei loam

(pounds/acre) Stand

 Variety Biomass1 Index2 Phenology3

 (inches) 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 Avg Rank 1983-1984* Early Sept.

 Precip. deviation (-3.96) (1.54) (.85) (6.23) (-7.2)

 Killdeer 1372a 1189ab 685b 572b 317b 827 4 26 8

 Pierre 1789a 1189ab 914b 853b 436b 1036 2 25 8

 Butte 1782a 947b 835b 817b 512b 978 3 23 7

 Trailway 1795a 2683a 1911a 2507a 1445a 2068 1 11 5

Statistical Analyses: Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test, means with same letter are not significantly different (P=.05) 1

Biomass: flail-type forage harvester, 2’ x 10’ strip in each plot clipped to a 2-inch stubble height 2

Stand Index: Estimate of plant density in 10 (1.0 sq ft) quadrats per plot. Full frame=40 3

Phenology (1983): 1=vegetative; 2=jointing; 3=first emergence of inflorescence; 4=first anthesis,10 culms or more;

 5=50% anthesis; 6=first seed ripe; 7=50% seed ripe; 8=seed mature; 9=complete dormancy

* Data is an average from these years

Warm-season plots showing fall colors

Trailway matured later 

and remained green later into the summer
8

Lake Andes, South Dakota

The soils are a fertile Agar silt loam. Three years of well above average rainfall influenced forage production 

at this site. Above average precipitation amounts totaled 12.9 inches (1984), 10.7 inches (1986), and 3.71 

(1987). This was the most southern of the test sites and Trailway, the latest maturing variety, had the highest 

forage yield at 4,020 lb/ac. The other three varieties averaged less than 2,800 lb/ac. The average stand index 

counts were considerably higher at Lake Andes compared to the other five sites. The northernmost variety 

Killdeer again had the highest average density at 38, compared to Pierre and Butte, both at 26, and Trailway 

the lowest at 17. The longer growing season at this site allowed more time for varieties to mature. In early 

August, Killdeer, and Pierre already had mature seed, while Butte had 50 percent ripe seed, and Trailway was 

still at 50 percent anthesis.

Lake Andes, SD (MLRA 55C, southeast South Dakota)

Average Annual Precipitation: 21.37 inches

Soils: Agar silt loam

(pounds/acre) Stand

 Variety Biomass1 Index2 Phenology3

 (inches) 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988* Avg Rank 1984 Early Aug.

 Precip. deviation (12.9) (-.21) (10.7) (3.71) (1.0)

 Killdeer 3559a 2776a 3465a 1432a 677 2381 4 38 8

 Pierre 3572a 2921a 3079a 1276a 1092 2388 3 26 8

 Butte 3827a 3069a 3927a 1663a 1255 2748 2 26 7

 Trailway 4602a 3865a 5868a 3222a 2543 4020 1 17 5

Statistical Analyses: Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test, means with same letter are not significantly different (P=.05) 1

Biomass: flail-type forage harvester, 2’ x 10’ strip in each plot clipped to a 2-inch stubble height 2

Stand Index: Estimate of plant density in 10 (1.0 sq ft) quadrats per plot. Full frame=40 3

Phenology (1984): 1=vegetative; 2=jointing; 3=first emergence of inflorescence; 4=first anthesis,10 culms or more;

 5=50% anthesis; 6=first seed ripe; 7=50% seed ripe; 8=seed mature; 9=complete dormancy

* No statistical analyses. Replications within a variety were not clipped due to poor stand or excess weeds.

Replicated plots included 

seven different species

Forage production was harvested 

at the end of the growing season
9

Onida, South Dakota

The soil at the site is a Lowry silt loam, which is fertile but droughty. Average annual precipitation was 

near normal for 3 years, considerably above normal in 1986 (5.27 inches), and below normal in 1988 

(-4.07 inches). Phenology data collected in early August showed Killdeer and Pierre to be the same at 50 

percent ripe seed. Butte and Trailway were later maturing at 50 percent anthesis. The later maturing varieties 

also had the highest average forage production values at 1,946 lb/ac for Butte, and 1,723 lb/ac for Trailway. 

Killdeer and Pierre were considerably less at 1,368 lb/ac, and 1,042 lb/ac, respectively. The highest forage 

production recorded was in 1986 when the average annual rainfall was over 5 inches. Butte produced 3,948 

lb/ac. The lowest forage production was in 1985 when the average annual rainfall was near normal. Killdeer 

produced only 333 lb/ac. Stand index counts were highest for Pierre (23), and lowest for Trailway (14).

Onida, SD (MLRA 53C, central South Dakota)

Average Annual Precipitation: 17.47 inches

Soils: Lowry silt loam

(pounds/acre) Stand

 Variety Biomass1 Index2 Phenology3

 (inches) 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 Avg Rank 1984-1985* Early Aug.

 Precip. deviation (.13) (5.27) (-1.86) (-4.07) (.33)

 Killdeer 333b 2196a 2685a 733a 893a 1368 3 16 7

 Pierre 388b 2734a 1248b 340a 503a 1042 4 23 7

 Butte 2184a 3948a 2496ab 622a 482a 1946 1 15 5

 Trailway 1189b 3913a 2419ab 515a 580a 1723 2 14 5

Statistical Analyses: Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test, means with same letter are not significantly different (P=.05) 1

Biomass: flail-type forage harvester, 2’ x 10’ strip in each plot clipped to a 2-inch stubble height 2

Stand Index: Estimate of plant density in 10 (1.0 sq ft) quadrats per plot. Full frame=40 3

Phenology (1986): 1=vegetative; 2=jointing; 3=first emergence of inflorescence; 4=first anthesis,10 culms or more;

 5=50% anthesis; 6=first seed ripe; 7=50% seed ripe; 8=seed mature; 9=complete dormancy

* Data is an average from these years

A flail-knife harvester was used 

to collect forage samples

Green-up after burning to remove old growth
10

Rochester, Minnesota

The soils are a well drained, rolling silt loam. This site had the highest average annual precipitation, 

29.58 inches, of the six test sites. Precipitation was quite variable from year to year. It was below normal in 

1987 (-2.63), 1988 (-8.19), and 1989 (-6.85). Precipitation was substantially above normal in 1990 (14.36), 

and 1991 (7.33). Trailway ranked first for 5-year average forage production (1,037 lb/ac), which was 

expected because it is a later maturing seed source. Killdeer was ranked last (390 lb/ac). Stand index counts 

were similar except for Trailway which was the lowest at 13. Pierre was highest at 23. Killdeer and Pierre 

had the earliest maturity with first seed ripe in early August. Trailway was 50 percent anthesis at this time, 

and Butte was at first anthesis. 

Rochester, MN (MLRA 105, southeast Minnesota)

Average Annual Precipitation: 29.58 inches

Soils: Mount Carrol silt loam

(pounds/acre) Stand

 Variety Biomass1 Index2 Phenology3

 (inches) 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 Avg Rank 1985-1987* Early Aug.

 Precip. deviation (-2.63) (-8.19) (-6.85) (14.36) (7.33)

 Killdeer 910b 320a 216b 194b 312a 390 4 21 6

 Pierre 1065b 504ab 316b 617ab 194a 539 3 23 6

 Butte 1554ab 595a 443ab 420ab 366a 675 2 20 4

 Trailway 2218a 785b 681a 954a 547a 1037 1 13 5

Statistical Analyses: Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test, means with same letter are not significantly different (P=.05) 1

Biomass: flail-type forage harvester, 2’ x 10’ strip in each plot clipped to a 2-inch stubble height 2

Stand Index: Estimate of plant density in 10 (1.0 sq ft) quadrats per plot. Full frame=40 3

Phenology (1988, 1989): 1=vegetative; 2=jointing; 3=first emergence of inflorescence; 4=first anthesis,10 culms or more;

 5=50% anthesis; 6=first seed ripe; 7=50% seed ripe; 8=seed mature; 9=complete dormancy

* Data is an average from these years

Trailway had the highest 5-year 

average forage production

Plots were burned each spring 

so only new growth was sampled
11

Fort Pierre, South Dakota

The soil at the site is Promise clay, which is fertile with low permeability. Infiltration is less than 

0.2 inch/hour. Three consecutive years (1988, 1989, and 1990) of significantly lower than normal rainfall 

greatly reduced annual and the 5-year average forage yields. Trailway had the highest 5-year average forage 

production (1,472 lb/ac) and Killdeer was lowest (661 lb/ac). Stand index counts were similar. Pierre was the 

highest at 29, and Trailway the lowest at 23. Phenology ratings in early August showed Killdeer and Pierre 

to be at 50 percent seed ripe. Butte was the next mature variety at first seed ripe. Trailway was at 50 percent 

anthesis.

Fort Pierre, SD (MLRA 63A, central South Dakota)

Average Annual Precipitation: 18.08 inches

Soils: Promise clay

(pounds/acre) Stand

 Variety Biomass1 Index2 Phenology3

 (inches) 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 Avg Rank 1986-1987* Early Aug.

 Precip. deviation (-7.3) (-4.77) (-5.74) (.87) (.79)

 Killdeer 589bc 95c 639b 1126a 858c 661 4 24 7

 Pierre 832ab 303ab 1066ab 1049a 1496bc 949 3 29 7

 Butte 470c 213bc 929ab 1353a 2153b 1023 2 25 6

 Trailway 955a 460a 1555a 1100a 3292a 1472 1 23 5

Statistical Analyses: Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test, means with same letter are not significantly different (P=.05) 1

Biomass: flail-type forage harvester, 2’ x 10’ strip in each plot clipped to a 2-inch stubble height 2

Stand Index: Estimate of plant density in 10 (1.0 sq ft) quadrats per plot. Full frame=40 3

Phenology (1990): 1=vegetative; 2=jointing; 3=first emergence of inflorescence; 4=first anthesis,10 culms or more;

 5=50% anthesis; 6=first seed ripe; 7=50% seed ripe; 8=seed mature; 9=complete dormancy

* Data is an average from these years

An array of all the varieties for a species planted 

together was established at each location

Killdeer had the lowest 5-year 

average forage production
Results and Discussion

Sideoats grama is not a high forage production species. Annual forage yields varied on all sites, primarily 

dependent on soils and seasonal precipitation. Average annual yields ranged from highs of over 4,000 lb/ac 

to lows of less than 1,000 lb/ac. The northernmost varieties (Killdeer and Pierre) generally had the highest 

forage production at the more northern locations, and Butte and Trailway had the highest production at the 

more southern locations.

Maturity is earlier for sideoats grama than most other 

warm-season species. Studies have shown crude 

protein to drop below 10 percent by early to mid-July 

depending on location, and 5 to 6 percent by early 

October (USDA NRCS and NDSU, 2009). Killdeer 

and Pierre were similar in maturity and usually had 

ripe seed in mid-August, depending on location. Butte 

was next in maturity at about 50 percent seed ripe. 

Trailway was the latest maturing variety tested and 

was often still flowering in mid-August.

Killdeer and Pierre had the highest density index 

counts at five of the six sites. Trailway had the lowest 

density index counts at all six sites, and winter 

injury at Upham. Additional winter injury would 

be anticipated when southern origin varieties are 

grazed or hayed. Only seed sources or varieties of 

sideoats grama that originate locally or that have been 

performance tested should be planted for long-term 

conservation use. Production of viable seed and winter 

survival are important components of local adaptation 

(USDA NRCS, 2006).

Variety Recommendations for North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota

Variety Origin

Average Number of 

Days to Ripe Seed 

after July 15

Where Adapted

Killdeer western North Dakota 30 ND, SD, MN

Pierre central South Dakota 35 ND, SD, MN

Butte northeast Nebraska 45 ND, SD, MN

Trailway northeast Nebraska (roadside) 65 SD, south half MN

12
Key Establishment and Management Considerations (USDA 2010)

•	 Soils/Adaptation: Adapted to diverse site conditions, from sandy to clayey textured soils. Best 

stands are on medium to fine textured upland soils. Moderately drought tolerant on rocky, shallow 

soils. Performs best in 12 to 25 inch precipitation zone.

•	 Seeding: Sideoats grama seed, on the open market, usually consists of clumps of at least partially 

whole spikes. As long as a seed unit has a germinable caryopsis in the spike fragment, it is considered 

viable and used to determine PLS. Clumps of seed may plug seed tubes when drilling depending 

on seeding rate. Clumps can be broken apart with additional hammermilling if necessary. There 

are approximately 180,000 seeds/lb. The NRCS recommended seeding rate for North Dakota is 6.0 

to 7.5 Pure Live Seed (PLS) lb/ac. This is approximately 

25 to 30 seeds/ft2. Broadcast seeding rates are higher than 

recommended drilled seeding rates, and are generally 

doubled. Seeding rates vary across the United States, 

generally increasing from west to east. Spring seeding is 

recommended. A firm seedbed is essential for a shallow 

seeding depth (1⁄2-3⁄4 inch). Germination is greatly reduced 

when seeds are planted deeper than 1 inch (USDA NRCS, 

2003). Sideoats grama is considered quick to establish. It is 

often seeded as part of a mixture for its ease of establishment 

and early erosion control benefits.

•	 Weed Control: Abundant broadleaf weeds and annual grasses need to be controlled by mowing 

and/or herbicide application. Dense stands of foxtail (Setaria spp.) can be very competitive and 

significantly reduce stand establishment. Herbicides generally are more effective than mowing in 

controlling annual grasses. Consult local Extension specialists for specific recommendations.

•	 Fertilization: Forage production, quality, and seed production can be improved with fertilizer if 

nitrogen or other nutrients are limiting. A soil test is recommended.

•	 Grazing/Haying/Mowing: Sideoats grama is not recommended for hay production because of its 

moderate growth stature. It will provide excellent grazing starting in late June and continuing through 

the growing season. Palatability and nutritional quality remain fairly high into the growing season. 

Grazing value is limited due to moderate production potential. Leaving a stubble height of at least 

two inches is recommended. A rotational grazing system will extend plant growth, reduce trampling 

loss, enhance utilization, and increase nutritional quality and palatability. Sideoats grama is usually 

seeded/grazed as one component in a mixture of native species (USDA and NDSU, 2009).

•	 Burning: Sideoats grama benefits from burning of plant residue prior to initiation of spring growth. 

Advantages to burning include low impact residue removal, weed control, more uniform growth 

initiation and seed ripening, improved nutrient cycling, and more vigorous growth. Burning annually 

at the Bismarck PMC has increased long-term seed yields.

•	 Seed Harvest: Seed shattering may occur shortly after the first seed is ripe. Conventional grain 

harvesting equipment can be used with proper setting adjustments, screen sizes, and reduced air flow. 

Seed strippers work well for harvesting sideoats grama seed. Seed is subject to heating, and moisture 

levels may require drying. Air drying is recommended as heat may cause damage to the seed. Fields 

should be as weed-free as possible prior to harvest to aid in the seed cleaning process.

13

photo credit: E. Brent Turnipseed, SDSU, Brookings, SD
14

Demonstration plot of Pierre sideoats grama 

at Wessington Springs, SD

A prescribed burn is an important management tool
References

Barkworth, M.E., L.K. Anderton, K.M. Capels, S. Long, and M.B. Piep. 2007. Manual of grasses for North 

America. Intermountain Herbarium and Utah State University Press, Logan, UT. 

Jacobson, E.T., D.A. Tober, R.J. Haas, and D.C. Darris. 1986. The performance of selected cultivars of 

warm-season grasses in the northern prairie and plains states. p. 215-221. In G.K. Clambey and R.H. 

Pemble (ed.) Proc. North Am. Prairie Conf., 9th, Moorhead, MN. 29 July-1 Aug. 1984 Tri-College Univ. 

Cent. for Environ. Studies, North Dakota State Univ., Fargo.

Larson, G.E., and J.R. Johnson. 1999. Plants of the Bear Lodge Mountains. B732 South Dakota State 

University College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences. South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station, 

Brookings, SD. p. 384.

Sedivec, K., D. Tober, J. Berdahl. 2001. Grass varieties for North Dakota. NDSU Extension Service, 

Fargo, ND. 20p.

USDA NRCS. 2003. Five keys to successful grass 

seeding. Plant Materials Center, Bismarck, ND. 6p.

USDA NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database 

(http://plants.usda.gov, 2 March 2010). Sideoats 

grama fact sheet and plant guide. National Plant Data 

Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.

USDA NRCS Plant Materials Center. 1983, 1984, 

1985, 1986/1987, 1988/1989, 1990/1991, 1992/1993. 

Technical report, part 1, grasses, forbs, and legumes, 

Bismarck, ND.

USDA NRCS Plant Materials Center. 2006. Origins 

of native grass and forb releases. Bismarck, ND. 

brochure 12p.

USDA NRCS and NDSU. 2009. Grasses for 

the Northern Plains; Growth patterns, forage 

characteristics, and wildlife values. Volume II – 

warm-season. Pub. R-1390. Fargo, ND. 66p. 

USDA SCS. 1994. Grass varieties in the United 

States. Agric. Handbook No. 170. Washington, D.C. 

p. 194‐199.

15

Sideoats grama and switchgrass are compatible
Seed production field of Butte sideoats grama 

at farm of Kaste Seed, Fertile, MN
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(800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

June 2010