Big blue stem grass care1/2/2024 The photo at right shows the seed heads approaching maturity, turning brown and beginning to curl into the 'eyelash' shape. In North America is found mostly in the western 2/3rds of the continent, extending eastward around the Great Lakes and then the lower Canadian Provinces from Ontario westward. Best to plant and divide in spring just before growth starts.īlue Grama is a native prairie grass found in about 1/3 of the counties in Minnesota, principally in the western half of the state with a few scattered remnants in eastern counties such as Winona, Ramsey and Dakota (which are the only two metro counties known to have it). The species has good drought tolerance, will tolerate partial shade, but prefers mesic to dry conditions in full sun. At maturity the seed heads curve resembling a human eyebrow, hence the alternate common name of 'Eyelash Grass'.īlue Grama grows in bunches due to the fibrous root system producing small short underground tillers and by re-seeding. These appear dense and comb-like with 40 to 130 spikelets per seed head. The seed heads number 1 to 3 on a stem, are usually curved, about 3/4 to 3-1/4 inches long and densely flowered, but only on one side of seed head rachis with a single spikelet at the tip. The leaf blades are very narrow, up to 0.1 inch wide (1 to 3mm) and 1 to 6 inches (15cm) long. angustifolium, Click HERE.īlue Grama is a major warm season perennial tufted grass, growing 1 to 2-1/2 feet in height on slender stems (culms). A little winter mulch is a good idea on newly established plants.įor information on Narrowleaf Blue-eyed Grass, S. There is no fall color or winter interest. The root system divides easily to create multiple new plants from one older specimen. Avoid late dividing so it can reestablish roots. The specimen pictured here was divided and transplanted the previous summer, so you can divide it any time up to mid-summer. They do not have deep roots and thus transplant easily. These plants have grown well with only half day sun. This plant forms small clumps.īecause of its size, you need to be careful that it does not become hidden under over-growing foliage of taller plants. While the grass is drought tolerant and can be used in rock gardens, the flowers will be produced all season only if the plant has adequate moisture, otherwise you have early summer flowers only. It will flower from early June until frost if it has enough moisture. It only grows to about a foot in height and thus is more of a border specimen. This little jewel here, has the same leaf structure as the native blue-eyed grasses, S. There are a number of species of Blue-eyed grass. But it called a grass and has grass-like leaves and fits in well with other native and ornamental grasses. NOTE: This is not a true grass species but a member of the Iris family and has the characteristics of an Iris. Red Flame Grass - Miscanthus 'Purpurascens'īlue-eyed Grass - Sisyrinchium bermudianum Blooms on a one year old transplant of Sisyrinchium bermudianum. Prairie Dropseed - Sporobolus heterolepis Northern Sea Oats - Chasmanthium latifolium Little Blue Stem - Schizachyrium scopariumĬautionary note about Miscanthus species. The plants to be covered here are: īlue-eyed Grass - Sisyrinchium bermudianumīlue Oat Grass - Helictotrichon sempervirensįall Blooming Reedgrass - Calamagrostis brachytrichaįeather Reedgrass - Calamagrostis xacutiflora Grass structure and definitions - PDF from Oregon State University See the bottom of the page for reference information. I will cover these topics in the discussion of each specific plant. Water requirements - drought tolerant or not. Transplanting, dividing and pruning- almost all should be divided in spring before growth starts and do not prune the dry stems until the following spring, before growth starts, on any of these grasses. Sun or shade - most grasses require full sun (but see my notes). Invasiveness - none of the plants listed here are invasive. Cool season grasses green up early, warm season grasses not till all danger of frost is past and generally flower in late summer to fall.Ĭulture and maintenance - when to plant and prune, pests (most are pest free).
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