3.4: Hairy grama

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Page ID: 91479

Diane M. Narem and Mary Hockenberry Meyer
University of Minnesota via Minnesota Libraries Publishing Project

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hairy grama — Hairy grama in a prairie. Photo courtesy of Peter Dzuik of Minnesota Wildflowers.

Bouteloua hirsuta

Warm season; Perennial

Characteristics: 12–24”; upright open; flowers green to purple; foliage chartreuse

Growing Conditions: average to dry; drought tolerant; full sun; hardy zones 3–8

Hairy grama is a smaller grass that has a very open growth habit, with leaves crowded near the base. The seedheads are similar in shape to blue grama, but are covered in fine hairs, giving them a fuzzy look. The seedheads can be green to purple, sometimes taking on a deep bronze color.

Nativars:

Currently, no nativars are available. The plant is not widely available, but can be found at native garden centers.

Associated Lepidoptera:

Species that feed on hairy grama according to the literature are Uncas skipper (Hesperia uncas), Ottoe skipper (Hesperia ottoe), and Leonard’s skipper (Hesperia leonardus pawnee).