31 Jul Not A Weed Wednesday – Blue Grama Grass
Blue Grama Grass (Bouteloua gracilis)
Blue Grama grass is a very distinct grass found across the prairies – particularly on drier sites. Blue grama can be identified by its comb-like seed head when it’s in flower, or by the blueish tinge to its narrow (1-2 mm wide) leaves, the fringe of hairs present at the ligule and collar, and its low, densely tufted, mat-like growth habit due to short rhizomes.
Blue grama grass is an important part of healthy range plant communities because it can survive drought, heavy grazing and is an excellent soil stabilizer. It also has high protein content, good nutrient value and palatability, but has low productivity due to it being such a small plant. This is one reason why it’s important blue grama grass is present within a healthy mix of other more productive grasses.
Contact a Special Areas Rangeland Agrologist for more information on optimal range health and grazing on native grasslands.
