Blue Grama is an iconic American prairie grass that brings a whimsical and hardy spirit to the sunny landscape. This warm-season bunchgrass is famous for its unique seed heads, which resemble tiny, horizontal eyelashes suspended from 10 to 20-inch stems. The fine-textured, blue-green foliage provides a soft backdrop during the summer before transitioning to a lovely golden-brown as autumn arrives. It is a cornerstone species of the shortgrass prairie, naturally adapted to the wide-open plains and sunny, open woodlands across much of North America. This grass is an ecological powerhouse, serving as a larval host for several skipper butterflies, including the Leonard’s and Ottoe skippers, while its seeds provide critical winter forage for birds. Blue Grama is incredibly drought-tolerant and thrives in well-drained sandy or loamy soils. Its low-growing habit and minimal water requirements make it a top choice for xeriscaping or as a sustainable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional turf. It is a tough, beautiful survivor that adds character to any sun-drenched garden.

Quick facts

• Height: 10–20 in
• Sun: Full to Partial
• Soil moisture: Medium-Dry to Dry
• Bloom time: Jul–Sep (Blue)
• Life cycle: Perennial
• Notes: Warm-season
• Native range: Native to 28 states, including Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska

See the full growing guide and county range map for Blue Grama