SafePlants

Purple Grama (Bouteloua radicosa)

Purple Grama, scientifically known as Bouteloua radicosa, is a grass species belonging to the genus Bouteloua, members of which are commonly referred to as grama grass.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is a grass and has the potential for sharp edges on the leaves or seed heads.

Synonyms and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Bouteloua radicosa
• Common Names: Purple Grama

Distribution and Habitat

• Purple Grama can be found in the USA (Arizona, New Mexico) and Mexico (Chihuahua, Michoacán, Coahuila).

Related Species

• Other Bouteloua species mentioned include:
  • Bouteloua aristidoides (needle grama)
  • Bouteloua barbata (sixweeks grama)
  • Bouteloua gracilis (blue grama)
  • Bouteloua curtipendula (Sideoats Grama)
• Other grasses mentioned include:
  • Aristida purpurea (purple threeawn)

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Purple Grama is described as a grama grass with 8mm long awns coming from the lemmas of the lower florets.
• It is a tufted warm season grass.
• The seed spikes hang from one side of their stem, starting out with a tinge of purple and turning a bright tan.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Sideoats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) is mentioned as a nutritious food for foraging wildlife and livestock.

Quirky Facts

• Sideoats Grama is the state grass of Texas.

Further Resources

• Discover Life provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Bouteloua radicosa.