Family: Poaceae
Author: (Michx.) Torr.
Bibliography: R.B.Marcy, Explor. Red River Louisiana: 300 (1853)
Year: 1853
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Bouteloua
Vegetable: False
Observations: N. & C. America to N. Argentina
Description
Tall grama grass, known scientifically as Bouteloua curtipendula, is a prominent member of the Poaceae family. First documented in significant detail by R.B. Marcy in 1853 during his exploration of the Red River in Louisiana, the grass has since garnered attention for its impressive adaptability and wide distribution.
Native to the vast terrains of North and Central America, tall grama grass extends its reach as far south as northern Argentina. This extensive range showcases the grass’s resilience and versatility in various climates and terrains. Typically found in prairies, open woodlands, and grasslands, it thrives in conditions that can range from moderately arid to well-watered soils, making it an essential component in many ecosystems.
Tall grama grass is easily recognized by its slender, arching seed stalks that dangle delicately to one side. These distinctive seed heads give the plant a unique silhouette when silhouetted against the sky, especially during blooming periods. The grass plays a critical role in erosion control and soil stabilization, contributing significantly to the ecological health of the areas it populates.
Ecologists and botanists value Bouteloua curtipendula not only for its environmental benefits but also for its utility in agricultural settings. It serves as a nutritious forage for livestock while also supporting wildlife habitats by providing food and cover for various fauna. The plant’s adaptability and low maintenance needs make it a favored choice for restoration projects and natural landscaping.
In summary, tall grama grass (Bouteloua curtipendula) is a vital, resilient species that supports both ecological and agricultural systems across the Americas. From the prairies of North America to the fields of northern Argentina, its presence is a testament to its enduring role in the natural world.
For more comprehensive information on its historical documentation and botanical characteristics, one might refer to the insightful works of R.B. Marcy and the contributions of botanist Michx. Torr. in expanding our understanding of this remarkable grass.
Common Names
Spa: navajita banderilla
Eng: side-oats grama, tall grama grass, tall grama
Swe: stort moskitgräs
Fra: grand boutelou, boutelou élevé
En: Tall grama grass, Side-oats grama, Sideoats grama, Tall grama
Zh: 垂穗草
Fi: Nuokkugammaheinä
Fr: Grand boutelou, Boutelou élevé
Nv: Tłʼoh łichíʼí
Pl: Butelua groniasta
Pt-br: Grama-azul
Es: Navajita banderilla
Sv: Stort moskitgräs
Synonyms
- Chloris curtipendula (Michx.)
- Andropogon curtipendulus ((Michx.) Spreng.)
- Cynodon curtipendulus ((Michx.) Raspail)
- Atheropogon curtipendulus ((Michx.) E.Fourn.)
- Dinebra curtipendula ((Michx.) P.Beauv.)
- Eutriana curtipendula ((Michx.) Trin.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Alberta (native)
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Arizona (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- New York (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Peru (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Uruguay (native)
- Utah (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Virginia (native)
- Washington (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- China North-Central (introduced)
- China Southeast (introduced)
- Hawaii (introduced)
- Saudi Arabia (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Habit
Taken Sep 29, 2014 by EOL − Linda Jo Conn (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 29, 2014 by EOL − Linda Jo Conn (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 30, 2014 by EOL − Linda Jo Conn (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 27, 2016 by EOL − phacelialinearis (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 26, 2020 by Megan Whitmore (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 23, 2022 by Saul Thomas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 6, 2015 by EOL − bendingtree (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jun 9, 2013 by EOL − Kelly O’Donnell (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 9, 2013 by EOL − Kelly O’Donnell (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Nov 18, 2015 by EOL − Stephen Hodges (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 8, 2013 by EOL − Erin Faulkner (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 7, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Jul 31, 2021 by Paige Conner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 8, 2014 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 7, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Other
Taken Mar 3, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 3, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 3, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 3, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 3, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5289861)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1198286-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx.) Torr.)
Specifications
Growth form: Rhizomatous
Growth habit: Graminoid
Growth rate: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.8
Ph minimum: 5.5