Bouteloua gracilis (H. B. K.) Lag. ex Steud., blue grama 
DESCRIPTION 
Warm-season , perennial. 
Height: 12 to 16 inches in northern range; 2 to 2-1/2 feet in 
west Texas and northern Mexico. 
Leaf blade: 1 to 4 inches long ; narrow ; flat ; smooth. 
Leaf sheath: Rounded ; smooth; shorter than internodes. 
LiguLe: Few soft hairs. 
Seedhead: 1 to 4 spikes resembling a chicken’s comb. 
GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS 
Growth starts in late May and early June. Plant matures 60 to 
70 days later. Becomes dormant during summer dry periods. 
Greens up again as soon as moisture is available. Seed ripen in 
early fall. May assume a sodlike aspect in the northern part of 
range in the Great Plains. In the southern part, generally retains 
a bunch-grass aspect. 
DISTRIBUTION 
Throughout Great Plains to southern Canada and to central 
Mexico. 
SITE ADAPTATION 
Grows best on loams and sandy loam soils but does grow on 
sandy, gravelly, and clayey soils. Also grows in the mountains of 
Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. This grass is moderately salt 
tolerant. 
USE AND MANAGEMENT 
Blue grama is choice forage for all livestock. It is harvested oc- 
casionally for hay. 
Since growing points are at or near the ground surface, this 
grass withstands close grazing. For best yields, defer grazing 
every 2 to 3 years during the growing season and graze off no 
more than 50 percent of the current year’s growth by weight. It 
cures well on stem, making it a good grass to graze during dor- 
mant season. 
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