How much sun does Silver Bluestem need?

Silver Bluestem grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Silver Bluestem bloom?

Silver Bluestem blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.

Where is Silver Bluestem native?

Silver Bluestem (Bothriochloa laguroides var. torreyana) is native to TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Silver Bluestem attract?

Silver Bluestem draws butterflies.

Is Silver Bluestem HOA-friendly?

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

Silver Bluestem

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Bothriochloa laguroides var. torreyana

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Silver Bluestem (Bothriochloa laguroides var. torreyana) 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.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

24"–36" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

Pollinators

butterflies

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 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

North American Deserts Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies South Central Plains

Silver Bluestem is a clumping native grass that forms neat, upright tufts with silvery-blue foliage. It produces delicate, feathery seed heads from spring through fall and requires minimal water once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Silver Bluestem 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 long blooming period provides nectar for butterflies throughout most of the growing season. Seeds also feed birds and small wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Silver Bluestem need?: Silver Bluestem grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Silver Bluestem bloom?: Silver Bluestem blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
Where is Silver Bluestem native?: Silver Bluestem (Bothriochloa laguroides var. torreyana) is native to TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Silver Bluestem attract?: Silver Bluestem draws butterflies.
Is Silver Bluestem HOA-friendly?: Silver Bluestem is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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

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