New Mexico State University
College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences | ACES
NMSU: Selected Plants of Navajo Rangelands

Selected Plants of Navajo Rangelands

Take care of our Navajo Rangelands

Grama, blue

Herbarium specimen showing stems and densely seeded spikes

Blue grama is a major warm season grass, 10 to 20 inches tall with narrow basal leaves of 3 to 6 inches. Blue grama grows in definite bunches and reproduces by tillering and by seed. Mature seedheads are curved, resembling a human eyebrow.

Once the grass is established, it is very palatable to livestock all year long. Since growing points are at or near the ground surface, the grass withstands fairly close grazing. Blue grama cures well on stem, making it a good grass for grazing during the dormant season.

For best yields, defer grazing during the growing season every 2 to 3 years.

Grassland habitat
Characteristic curved shape of seedheads, easily recognizable in a field of grasses
Grassland habitat
Close-up of an inflorescence during flowering
Stalks in bloom
Bunching growth habit and example habitat

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