Family: Poaceae, Grass view all from this family

Description Sideoats Grama is a bunchy, sod-forming grass with 2-3 ft. stems in erect, wiry clumps. Purplish, oat-like spikelets uniformly line one side of the stem, bleaching to a tan color in the fall. The basal foliage often turns shades of purple and red in fall. This is a perennial.

Habitat Prairies; open brush; forest openings; rocky slopes.

Range Connecticut and s. Ontario to Montana, south to w. Virginia, Alabama, Texas, and s. California; also Mexico.

Discussion Sideoats Grama is a member of the grass family (family Poaceae). In nature, this plant increases rapidly when its site is damaged by drought or grazing. It provides food and cover for birds.