Bouteloua curtipendula
Attractive, medium-tall warm-season bunch grass. Deer resistant, adapted to disturbed areas, drought tolerant. Small purple spikes are reminiscent of oats and lighten to a tan color in the fall, when foliage will sometimes turn red and purple. Sideoats grama stays short in the spring, blending well with spring wildflowers, and is often found growing with little bluestem. Food source for birds, as well as for adult orange skipperling and bronze roadside-skipper. Provides nesting material/structure for native bees and is a larval host for the dotted, green, and sheep skipper caterpillars. Mowing or cutting back are not recommended, but if necessary do so sparingly.
Zone: 3-9 (Map)
Habitat: Sun to part shade; tolerant of dry or moist soils.
Growth: 1-3 ft wide, 1-3 ft tall at maturity