Missouri Goldenrod vs Blue Grama Grass - TreeTime.ca

Missouri Goldenrod vs Blue Grama Grass

Bouteloua gracilis

Solidago missouriensis

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Blue Grama Grass
Missouri Goldenrod

Blue Grama is a native perennial bunchgrass recognized for its blue-green blades and unique seed heads. They grow along one side of the stem and are often compared to eyelashes, eyebrows, or mosquito larvae, which inspired its common names, Eyelash Grass and Mosquito Grass. As the seed heads begin to dry in the fall, they curl, further enhancing the plant’s distinctive appearance. The seeds provide food for birds, and the grass serves as a host plant for certain species of skipper butterflies.

As a warm-season grass, Blue Grama has a slow start in spring and does not actively grow until soil temperatures rise. Its deep roots help with erosion control, and the grass is drought-tolerant once established, thriving even in poor or alkaline soils. It is well-suited for soil stabilization, naturalization, restoration projects, or as an ornamental accent in gardens and landscapes.

Missouri Goldenrod is a native perennial wildflower known for its brilliant golden yellow flowers that bloom from late summer to early fall. The flower heads contain hundreds of tiny blossoms that attract a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Fully opened flowers can also be used to make tea. As the season progresses, the flowers give way to fluffy seed heads, providing food for birds.

It can spread readily through its roots and self-seeding, this make Missouri Goldenrod well suited for hard-to-grow areas. This vigorous growth habit makes it an excellent choice for large planting areas, wildflower gardens, naturalized projects, prairie restoration, and erosion control.

As a perennial, it dies back to the crown each winter, it will regrow from the base in the spring. Avoid disturbing the crown during late winter to ensure healthy growth the following season.

Blue Grama Grass Quick Facts

Missouri Goldenrod Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Height: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: upright, clump-forming
Spreading: seeds - medium, tillering-medium
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Flowers: clusters of small yellow flowers
Bloom time: mid summer to early fall
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON
Other Names: blue grama grass, eyelash grass, mosquito grass
Other Names: low goldenrod, prairie goldenrod