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mosquitograss
Scientific Name: Dasypyrum
Family: Poaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis)
Blue Grama, also known as Mosquito Grass, is a versatile and attractive grass suitable for various garden designs.
Considerations for Pets
- While often called Mosquito Grass and sometimes confused with Lemon Grass, which has a strong citrus odor, it is essential to accurately identify the plant to ensure it does not pose any risk to pets.
- Some varieties hold onto their broom-like seed heads into the winter, which might be attractive to pets.
Common Names
- Scientific Name: Bouteloua gracilis
- Common Names: Blue Grama, Mosquito Grass, Lemon Grass (Note: this may be a source of confusion as Lemon Grass is a different species).
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Synonym: Chondrosum gracile
- Synonym: Oligostachya gracile
- Synonym: Dasypyrum villosum (this is actually a separate species also called Mosquito Grass)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the Great Plains shortgrass prairie of North America.
- Found in Canada and the United States.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- A perennial grass.
- Typically reaches about one foot tall when its seed heads are in full bloom.
- Known for its unusually bent and flattened inflorescences.
- Low-growing and can be used as mounding lawn.
Ecological Role
- Important native plant.
- Used for soil erosion control.
- Attracts wildlife.
Additional Information
- USDA Zone: 4-9.
- Tolerant of drought conditions.
- Requires virtually no maintenance.
Quirky Facts
- While sometimes called Mosquito Grass, this common name is also used for Lemon Grass, which contains citronella and repels mosquitos with a strong citrus odor. Bouteloua gracilis itself internally generates small amounts of citronella and has been identified to have mosquito-repelling qualities.