How much sun does Sixweeks Grama need?

Sixweeks Grama grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Sixweeks Grama bloom?

Sixweeks Grama blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is Sixweeks Grama native?

Sixweeks Grama (Bouteloua barbata) is native to AZ, CA, CO, KS and 7 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Sixweeks Grama HOA-friendly?

Sixweeks Grama takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Sixweeks Grama

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Bouteloua barbata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Sixweeks Grama (Bouteloua barbata) 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

6"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, KS and 7 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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range North American Deserts Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Cross Timbers Southern Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Bouteloua barbata is a small native bunch grass that forms compact clumps with fine-textured foliage. It produces delicate seed heads from summer through early fall and requires minimal water once established. This low-growing grass works well as a groundcover or accent plant in xeriscaped gardens.

In an HOA neighborhood

Sixweeks Grama takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Very small stature may appear sparse in formal landscapes
Native grass appearance may be perceived as unmanicured
Limited ornamental impact compared to traditional landscaping

Wildlife value

The seed heads provide food for small birds and native wildlife. As a native grass, it supports local ecosystems and provides habitat for beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Sixweeks Grama need?: Sixweeks Grama grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Sixweeks Grama bloom?: Sixweeks Grama blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Sixweeks Grama native?: Sixweeks Grama (Bouteloua barbata) is native to AZ, CA, CO, KS and 7 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Sixweeks Grama HOA-friendly?: Sixweeks Grama takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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

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

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