Our Mission: Grow a network of habitat for songbirds and pollinators in gardens across the Rocky Mountains and beyond, save water for our streams and rivers, and restore our joy in nature every day. 

Our monthly Plant Profiles from Plant Select® feature plants that thrive in the Rocky Mountain region and also provide critical needs for wildlife. (Thanks to Diana Reavis for this post.)

Low-Growing, Low-Maintenance But a Stand-Out Nonetheless

There’s a lot to be said for the grass called Blue Grama (Boutelous gracilis). It’s an iconic native plant of short grass prairies of the Great Plains and the official state grass of Colorado, but it’s also native to much of the U.S and Canada. It’s a warm season bunch grass long known for its forage quality and as a low water-requiring, fine textured lawn for homeowners.

Not until recently however has Blue Grama been noted for its stand-alone appearance. That came to a head (no pun intended!) in 2007 with the discovery of an outstanding specimen growing within a stand of robust Hachita Blue Grama near Santa Fe, New Mexico.

A Blue Grama A Head Above the Others

The discovery was made by David Salman of High Country Gardens. He noticed this particular individual was taller than the standard, its leaves were a bright bluish-green and its distinctive flag-like flowers were chartreuse rather than the usual black or brown, and they were held appealingly at a 90 degree angle to the leaves. It was apparent this was a plant that could stand on its own as an ornamental.

As this particular plant went through trials, researchers discovered that the chartreuse flowers turned blonde as the season progressed. The rigid flower stems popped back up after being weighed down by snow rather than remaining prostrate, another benefit for gardeners in cold climates.

As a result its season of attractiveness lasted well into the winter. It seemed as though this tall blonde had “ambition,” hence its name, 'Blonde Ambition' Blue Grama.

Since its introduction in 2011 through Plant Select®, Blonde Ambition is now being used extensively in wildflower plantings, city medians and commercial projects across the country. It especially shines here in the Rocky Mountain region, including the high plains and high desert, where the grass is most at home.

Wildlife benefits:  Blue Grama grass offers shelter, nesting materials and edible seeds to many songbirds. (Siskins and goldfinches in particular will often perch on the ground and pull the flower stalks down toward them with their beaks so they can pick out the seeds.) The foliage is also the host plant eaten by caterpillars of several species of skipper butterflies, named for their rapid, skipping flight, and important pollinators.

Growing tips: Adapts well to a very wide range of conditions, even to moderately high elevations. Needs at least 4 hours of sun, and can take it quite dry once established.

How to Use:  Unique ornamental grass for wildflower mosaics, natural-style landscapes, and for weaving among other late summer perennials. It combines will with other grasses including Big Bluestem, Little Bluestem and Blue Avena grass. It blends beautifully with most late-season perennials including Cherry Sage (Salvia greggi), fall asters, Black-Eyed Susan, and most wildflowers. Also adds interest to mixed borders including dwarf conifers, shrub roses and many other smaller-shrubs.

Blonde Ambition Blue Grama grass (Bouteloua gracilis ‘Blonde Ambition’ PP 22,048)

At a glance:

• Size: 30-36″ tall x  30-36″ wide
• Blooms: July to October
• Cultural tips: Moderate to dry soil in full sun to partial shade, USDA zones 4-9 in most soil types
• Growth habit: Upright clumping ornamental

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