Silver Bluestem
Bothriochloa saccharoides
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AZ, CA, NM and 2 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Silver bluestem is a native warm-season grass that forms compact clumps with silvery-blue foliage. It produces delicate, fluffy seed heads from summer through fall that catch the light beautifully. This drought-tolerant grass requires minimal maintenance once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Silver Bluestem is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- May look less tidy when seed heads mature
- Winter dormancy creates brown appearance
Wildlife value
The seeds provide food for quail, songbirds, and small mammals. As a native grass, it supports various insects and their larvae that serve as food sources for birds.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Silver Bluestem fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.