Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:

Side-Oats Grama works best in dry or semi-dry areas, often growing in prairies, meadows, and rocky soil with full sun, though it will grow well in any soil, as long as it's well-drained. 

Growth Habit/Description:

Side-Oats Grama grows as clumps of perennial grass up to 18-30 inches tall.  Off-shoots of oat-like spikelets, or small clusters of florets, and white stigmas appear in the summer. When they first sprout they appear purple, but dry into a tan color during the fall. 

Bloom Season:

Side-Oats Grama sprouts spikelets during the early to mid summer blooming season that to grow over the course of the summer. 

Fall and/or Winter Interest?

In the fall, Side-Oats Grama spikelets turn red and dark brown, and shed their white stigmas. 

Host Plant for Caterpillars?

Yes! Side-Oats Grama is a source of food for 5 types of larval Skipper butterflies and the veined ctenucha moth.

Other Known Ecological Value?

Side-Oats Grama is known to be useful in prairie restoration.  It provides a food and nesting source for birds, is a common grazing grass for livestock, and is used in creating wildflower meadows.

Origin of Name:  

Side-Oats Grama got its name from the oat-like structure and look of the seed spikes, while side-oats denotes its unique look and small flowers.

Related Plant Species:   

Side-Oats Grama is a part of the Poaceae, or grass family, and is related to most prairie grasses.

Use For Food/Medicine:

There are are no known food and medicine uses for Side-Oats Grama for humans.

“Bouteloua Curtipendula (Side-Oats Grama).” Gardenia, www.gardenia.net/plant/bouteloua-curtipendula. Accessed 19 Sept. 2024.

Prairiemoonnrsy. “Bouteloua Curtipendula.” Prairie Moon Nursery, www.prairiemoon.com/bouteloua-curtipendula-side-oats-grama#panel-descrip. Accessed 19 Sept. 2024.

Sideoats Grama, plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_bocu.pdf. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.

Last edited by Hartig, September 2024.