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This mid-sized, warm-season grass is easily recognized by its unique and charming seed heads, which hang neatly from just one side of the stem.
Sun Exposure: full sun to part shade
Water Needs: low (very drought tolerant)
Soil Type: adaptable; thrives in sand, loam, medium clay or gravely soil
Mature Height: 2 feet
Deer Resistance: high
Bloom Time: August – September
Plant Spacing: 10 – 24 inches
Side-Oats Grama is the perfect "neighbor-friendly" native—it stays at a manageable height and doesn't get aggressive.
Unique "One-Sided" Blooms: In mid-summer, the plant produces tall stalks adorned with tiny, oat-like seeds that all hang from one side. In bloom, these seeds feature tiny, bright red-to-purple anthers that give the plant a subtle color. This plant holds it shape well into the winter months. The foliage turns from green-blue foliage to shades of gold.
Compact and Versatile: Reaching only 2 feet in height, it is an ideal choice for the middle of a garden border. It won't tower over your wildflowers but provides enough structure to keep the garden looking organized.
Extremely Adaptable: It is highly drought-tolerant and can thrive in almost any soil condition, from dry sand to heavy clay.
It is a vital larval host plant for at least 5 species of Skipper butterflies, including the Dotted Skipper and the Leonard’s Skipper.
The seeds are a favorite food source for various songbirds that forage on the ground.
Pro-Tip: Side-oats Grama’s clumping tendency and moderate height pair well with shorter wildflowers like Prairie Smoke or Purple Coneflower.
This mid-sized, warm-season grass is easily recognized by its unique and charming seed heads, which hang neatly from just one side of the stem.
Sun Exposure: full sun to part shade
Water Needs: low (very drought tolerant)
Soil Type: adaptable; thrives in sand, loam, medium clay or gravely soil
Mature Height: 2 feet
Deer Resistance: high
Bloom Time: August – September
Plant Spacing: 10 – 24 inches
Side-Oats Grama is the perfect "neighbor-friendly" native—it stays at a manageable height and doesn't get aggressive.
Unique "One-Sided" Blooms: In mid-summer, the plant produces tall stalks adorned with tiny, oat-like seeds that all hang from one side. In bloom, these seeds feature tiny, bright red-to-purple anthers that give the plant a subtle color. This plant holds it shape well into the winter months. The foliage turns from green-blue foliage to shades of gold.
Compact and Versatile: Reaching only 2 feet in height, it is an ideal choice for the middle of a garden border. It won't tower over your wildflowers but provides enough structure to keep the garden looking organized.
Extremely Adaptable: It is highly drought-tolerant and can thrive in almost any soil condition, from dry sand to heavy clay.
It is a vital larval host plant for at least 5 species of Skipper butterflies, including the Dotted Skipper and the Leonard’s Skipper.
The seeds are a favorite food source for various songbirds that forage on the ground.
Pro-Tip: Side-oats Grama’s clumping tendency and moderate height pair well with shorter wildflowers like Prairie Smoke or Purple Coneflower.