Blue Grama Flower
Bouteloua gracilis
Blue Grama is a graceful native prairie grass celebrated for its distinctive, brush-like seed heads that resemble hovering insects. The state grass of Colorado and New Mexico, it symbolizes grace, endurance, and the untamed beauty of the Great Plains.
Poaceae (Grass family)
Summer (June–August); seed heads persist through fall and winter
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: golden alpine asters and tradescantias also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Blue grama is the official state grass of both Colorado and New Mexico, making it a deeply symbolic plant in the American West. Among the Zuni people, grass bunches were traditionally fashioned into hairbrushes and brooms, and the hollow stems served as straws. The Navajo used it as horse and sheep feed. As the dominant grass of the shortgrass steppe, blue grama is a powerful symbol of the vast, open prairies and the enduring life of the American Great Plains. Its graceful eyelash-like seed heads have also earned it a place in ornamental and dried flower traditions.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun; requires at least 6–8 hours of direct sun for best growth and flowering
Water
Highly drought tolerant; thrives with minimal water once established. Becomes temporarily dormant during prolonged drought and recovers when moisture returns.
Soil
Well-drained, Sandy loam, Clay loam, Rocky or gravelly soils, Poor to moderately fertile soils, Alkaline to neutral pH tolerant
Expert Growing Tips
Sow seed in spring or fall directly in well-drained soil; germination requires warm soil temperatures (above 59°F / 15°C)
Space plants 6–12 inches apart; they spread slowly by short rhizomes and form a gentle sod in northern regions
Avoid clay-heavy or poorly drained soils — excellent drainage is critical
Water during the establishment period only; once established, natural rainfall is usually sufficient
Can be used as a turf alternative in low-traffic areas in dry, western climates
Pairs beautifully with buffalograss, native wildflowers, and prairie perennials
Cut back to a few inches in early spring to refresh the clump before new growth begins
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Prairie and meadow gardens
- Xeriscape and drought-tolerant landscapes
- Rock gardens and dry borders
- Low-maintenance lawn alternative (can be mowed to 2 inches)
- Dried flower arrangements (distinctive seed heads)
- Erosion control on slopes and roadsides
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Blue Grama Flower
What is blue grama used for?
Blue grama is used in ornamental gardens, prairie restorations, xeriscapes, and as a low-maintenance lawn alternative in arid climates. Its distinctive seed heads are also popular in dried flower arrangements. Ecologically, it provides critical forage for livestock and wildlife across the Great Plains.
Is blue grama a good lawn substitute?
Yes — blue grama can be mowed to around 2 inches and used as a turf alternative in dry western climates. It requires far less water than conventional lawn grasses and is very low maintenance once established.
Why is blue grama called mosquito grass?
Blue grama is nicknamed "mosquito grass" because its unique horizontal, angled seed spike clusters are said to resemble hovering mosquitoes or insects suspended in mid-air.
When does blue grama flower?
Blue grama flowers in summer, typically from June through August. The attractive brush-like seed heads that follow persist through fall and winter, providing ongoing ornamental interest.
Is blue grama drought tolerant?
Yes, blue grama is exceptionally drought tolerant. It is native to the shortgrass prairies of the Great Plains and can survive long dry periods by going dormant and recovering when moisture returns. It is one of the most drought-resistant ornamental grasses for western North American gardens.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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Tradescantia species
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