SafePlants

Sideoats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula)

Bouteloua curtipendula, commonly known as sideoats grama, is a perennial grass native to North America. It is the state grass of Texas.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Bouteloua curtipendula
• Common Name: Sideoats grama
• Family: Poaceae (Grass family)

Distribution and Habitat

• Sideoats grama is found in mountainous regions of the Western U.S., including Arizona and New Mexico.
• It is also found in the Sonoran Desert, ranging from southern Arizona to the broad valleys of central Sonora.
• It is suited for North Central Arizona, elevation: 3,000 – 4,500 feet.

Morphological Characteristics

• Sideoats grama is a perennial grass.
• It is a short prairie grass.

Ecology

• Sideoats grama can be used to stop erosion.
• It is adapted to warm-moist conditions.
• It is an important forage grass.

Associated Species

• Sideoats grama grows in association with Needle-and-thread, sandberg bluegrass.

Needle Grama (Bouteloua aristidoides)

Bouteloua aristidoides, known as needle grama or sixweeks grama, is another species of grass in the Bouteloua genus.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Bouteloua aristidoides
• Common Names: Needle grama, sixweeks grama, six-weeks needle grama
• Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
• Varieties: Bouteloua aristidoides var. arizonica
• Synonyms: Saitilla (used for needle grama and other unrelated species)

Distribution and Habitat

• Needle grama is native to Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada, and Colorado.
• It has been observed in Phoenix, Arizona.

Ecology

• Desert tortoises eat needle grama.