Bouteloua curtipendula
Family: Poaceae
Description: A cespitose (tuffed), perennial grass with or without rhizomes, 2-3 ft. tall. Leaves are green or blue-green, sometimes turning purple or red in the fall. Base of leaf margins usually with white, papillose-based hairs. Purplish, oat-like spikelets uniformly hang down one side of the stem and turn to a tan color in the fall.
Location: Found in most grasslands of the state.
Soil Type: Most soils. Tends to grow/recover quickly in drought conditions or when grazed upon.
Trivia: This is the Texas State Grass. Two varieties in Texas.
Economic, Environmental Importance: Good for wildlife and livestock. Birds use it for food, nesting material, and cover. Larval host for the green skipper and dotted skipper butterflies.
stxflora 