Blue Grama Grass

W.L. Wagner @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

Larry Allain @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Hitchcock, A.S. (rev. A. Chase). 1950. Manual of the grasses of the United States. USDA Miscellaneous Publication No. 200. Washington, DC.

Names: Blue Grama Grass (English); Bouteloua gracilis (Latin)

Other Common Names: Mosquito Grass

Habitat and Origin: Typically found in upland prairies or near train tracks in central North America.

Characteristics: A grass plant that has narrow leaf blades and blooms redish-purple flowers in the summer.

Edible Portion: The seed can be eaten raw or cooked. Can be grounded down to use make bread.

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun and drier, well drained soils. Is drought tolerant.

Aboriginal Peoples Uses: Chewed roots can be applied to cuts