Sideoats Grama
(Bouteloua curtipendula var.)
Native perennial
warm season bunch grass. Provides good grazing for wildlife
and livestock. Grows 1-3' tall with stems growing from strong,
scaly rootstocks. Hairs grow out of small bulb-like spots on
the leaf blade edges. The inflorescence has a zigzag rachis
with many spikelets (20-50) twisting around on one side when
ripe.
Adaptations:
Distributed
over much of Eastern and Central U.S.; important range grass
in Texas. Grows in association with Bluestem; less drought resistant
than Blue Grama. Grows on well drained soils and rocky shallow
sites. Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soils. Not adapted
to deep sands.
Uses:
Used for range reseeding and pastures, good grass to include
in seed mixtures for grass improvement. Grazed by all types
of animals. Decreases with heavy grazing. Seed matures in spring
and fall. |
