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Summary
Physical Characteristics

Bouteloua gracilis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
B. oligostachya.
Habitats
Cultivated Beds;
Edible Uses
Seed - raw or cooked[257]. It can be ground into a powder, mixed with water and eaten as a mush, often with corn meal[257]. It is also used to make bread[257].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Salve Women's complaints
The chewed roots have been applied to cuts[257]. A decoction of the whole plant has been used as a post-partum medicine[257].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Basketry Broom Brush
The grass is sometimes used in the fill of coiled basketry[216, 257]. The stems can be used as a comb and broom material[257]. The blades can be bundled by a cord and the stiff end used as a hair comb whilst the other end can be used as a broom[257].
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Easily grown in full sun on any well-drained garden soil[200]. Prefers a near-neutral or lime-free soil[200]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[200]. All members of this genus use the method of photosynthesis knwn as C4. This allows for the more effective capture of carbon dioxide and thus less water loss through transpiration since the stomata do not have to be open for transpiration. This is an advantage in the arid environments where these plants are usually found[274].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:
Fahrenheit:
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Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Only just cover the seed. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and grow on for at least the first winter in a greenhouse. Plant out in early summer. Division.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
(Willd. ex Kunth.)Lag. ex Griffiths.
Botanical References
200236270
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
Readers comment
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Subject : Bouteloua gracilis
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