Sideoats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula)

Side-oats grama is a bunchy or sod-forming grass with 2-3 ft. stems in erect, wiry clumps. Purplish, oat-like spikelets uniformly line one side of the stem, bleaching to a tan color in the fall. The basal foliage often turns shades of purple and red in fall. Birds love the ripe seeds. Grows in open brush; forest openings; rocky slopes.