How much sun does Black Grama need?

Black Grama grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Black Grama bloom?

Black Grama blooms in June, July, August, September, October, and November.

Where is Black Grama native?

Black Grama (Bouteloua eriopoda) is native to AZ, CA, CO, KS and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Black Grama toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Black Grama as toxic to livestock.

Is Black Grama HOA-friendly?

Black Grama is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Black Grama

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Bouteloua eriopoda

Last reviewed: November 2026

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Black Grama, free in the app.

Toxicity unknown

Black Grama (Bouteloua eriopoda) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Black Grama as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

24"–30" H × 18"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, KS and 6 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 461 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Black Grama.

Try it with your yard

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Mojave Basin and Range North American Deserts Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range

Black grama is a drought-tolerant native grass that forms compact clumps with fine-textured foliage. It produces distinctive black seed heads on arching stems from summer through fall, creating an attractive ornamental display.

In an HOA neighborhood

Black Grama is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, mid zone.

Cut back in late winter

Wildlife value

The seeds provide food for quail, doves, and other ground-feeding birds. Small mammals also utilize the dense clumps for shelter and nesting sites.

Common questions

How much sun does Black Grama need?: Black Grama grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Black Grama bloom?: Black Grama blooms in June, July, August, September, October, and November.
Where is Black Grama native?: Black Grama (Bouteloua eriopoda) is native to AZ, CA, CO, KS and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Black Grama toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Black Grama as toxic to livestock.
Is Black Grama HOA-friendly?: Black Grama is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Black Grama? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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