Blue grama has been designated the state grass of Colorado because it is such a key species of the short grass prairie. It grows well mixed with other grasses and is helps to stabilize soils prone to erosion, and like other native grasses of the area requires little maintenance once it is established. It grows to about 2 feet, and does best when not mowed, unlike the high maintenance and thirsty grasses often used in suburban frontyard lawns. As a native to prairies, it prefers low acid soils and full sun, and as a bunch grass rather than a turf grass it mixes well with plantings with wildflowers.

Scientific name: Bouteloua gracilis

Habitat Mosaics Plan: Native Prairie Grasses - Colorado Front Range, North

Additional Resources:

• Blue Grama grass - USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
• Blue Grama - Water Wise Plants