Sideoats Grama

Sideoats Grama is a fine-leaved, sod-forming grass that grows well on upland soils. It is characterized by oatlike seeds that hang down one side of the seed stem. Sideoats Grama is long-lived and readily spreads from seeds and rhizomes. It is not as drought tolerant as Blue Grama and Buffalograss, but more so than other natives. The stems are smooth with purple colored nodes. The leaf sheath is prominently veined with a few soft, long hairs. Edges of the leaf blade have scattered hairs growing from a bulb-like base. Sideoats Grama is useful for erosion control on highway slopes and steep areas. It is also a good grass to use between trees in orchards.