Blue grama (eyelash grass) Bouteloua gracilis
Blue grama (eyelash grass) (Bouteloua gracilis) is a deciduous perennial grass in the Poaceae family, native to Short-grass prairie of the Great Plains and western North America, into Mexico. It grows 20–50 cm (8–20 in) tall and 20–40 cm (8–16 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -38 °C (-36 °F). Space plants about 25 cm (10 in) apart.
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Blue grama (eyelash grass) at a glance
| Type | Perennial grass, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Poaceae |
| Mature height | 20–50 cm (8–20 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Spacing | 25 cm (10 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -38 °C (-36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Short-grass prairie of the Great Plains and western North America, into Mexico |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇲🇽 Mexico |
Is Blue grama (eyelash grass) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; important forage.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Blue grama (eyelash grass)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Blue grama (eyelash grass)
- How far apart should I plant Blue grama (eyelash grass)?
- About 25 cm (10 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–40 cm (8–16 in).
- Does Blue grama (eyelash grass) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Blue grama (eyelash grass) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Blue grama (eyelash grass)?
- It tolerates about -38 °C (-36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Blue grama (eyelash grass) flower?
- From about July for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Blue grama (eyelash grass) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; important forage.
- What grows well with Blue grama (eyelash grass)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Blue grama (eyelash grass). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
- Native Plant Information Network, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin
Notes and assumptions
- A fine, low bunchgrass with curved, comb-like seed heads that look like eyebrows or eyelashes, held sideways on wiry stems; ‘Blonde Ambition’ is a popular selection. Used as a no-mow, low-water lawn in dry western gardens. The state grass of Colorado and New Mexico.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Switchgrass Panicum virgatum
- Little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium