Rhizomatous native perennial from 1-3 feet tall. Narrow, pointed leaves are up to 12 inches long and less than 1/4 inch wide, usually with sparse, long hairs on the edges near the base (G). The common name originates from the erect or arching flower stems bearing short spikes aligned in 2 rows that hang downward along one side of the upper stem (A – D). In flower, this otherwise inconspicuous grass has attractive showy reddish-orange anthers and less obvious feathery white stigmas (E,F).
Upland prairies, savannas and woodland openings. Sideoats Grama is common in the floodplain prairie planting at Fontenelle Forest and in all prairie restorations at Neale Woods. The best display is on the dry hillside in upper Jonas Prairie where it is the dominant grass species.
Sideoats grama is a significant prairie species, especially in the drier uplands. An important range grass, it is a good source of forage for livestock and wildlife.
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