Side-oats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) from the grass family (Poaeceae) is the Kansas Native Plant Society 2026 Kansas Native Plant of the Year.
Side-oats grama is an important perennial bunchgrass species of the mixed-grass and tallgrass prairies and it can be found in every county of Kansas. This 1-3’ tall sun-loving, drought tolerant warm season grass blooms from July to September and is found most commonly in dry open grasslands.
Side-oats grama commonly grows with little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and does not compete well with taller grasses or forbs. It grows best on limestone soils but is also adaptable to sandy or clay soils as well.
The name “side-oats” refers to the oat-like flower/seed clusters hanging in a zig-zag pattern to one side of the stem. The genus honors 19th century Spanish botanists Claudio and Esteban Bouteloua, and the species epithet comes from Latin ‘short hanging’ for the short-stalked seed heads.
This grass is the larval host plant for several skipper butterfly species. The seeds are consumed by grassland birds, and the vegetation is highly palatable to livestock.
Bouteloua curtipendula in seed (Drawing by Lorna Habegger Harder)
Side-oats grama is underutilized in native plant gardens. The attractive purple and orange anthers stand out while blooming in the late summer and the seed clusters turn to shades of gold in the fall. This grass is easily propagated from plugs or seed sown in the fall or the spring (if cold/dry stratified). It is gratifying to collect the seeds in fall – you can easily accumulate them by running your hands up the stems. Side-oats grama is a must-have species in any prairie reconstruction or urban prairie meadow. For maintenance, simply mow or burn it every year or two in winter or spring.
To see more Bouteloua curtipendula photos by Michael Haddock and a detailed species description, visit kswildflower.org.