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.
