Sideoats Grama
Bouteloua curtipendula
Observed near Camp Creek, Maricopa Co., Arizona. August 3, 2008. A higher resolution image has been uploaded to Wikimedia Commons.
FLOWERS: Tall spikes have two rows of many spikelets disposed along one
side. Blooms mid to late summer after summer rains have started. Occasionally
blooms late spring.
PERENNIAL: Long-lived, perennial grass. Plants can approach a
meter in height.
LEAVES: Narrow leaves are less than ½ cm
wide.
RANGE: Fairly common in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona and Mexico at
roadsides and on rocky slopes/bajadas; more likely in the upper elevations.
Obscure until after summer rains when vigorous growth and flowering begins.
Widespread across North America and also increasingly used in decorative
xeriscape landscaping.
UNARMED
Poaceae -- Grass Family
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More Information:
- Jepson Manual
- Missouri Botanical Garden
- USDA Plant Profile
- ITIS Taxonomic Report
- Google Images
- Google Scholar Literature Search