Lineage: Wild-Harvested Texas Native | Soil: Organic Heritage Mineral Blend
Our Sideoats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) is an Artisan Grown structural powerhouse and a cornerstone of the Hill Country prairie. This isn't a typical nursery-raised ornamental grass; it is a field-forged survivor designed to anchor your soil and provide year-round architectural interest. Known for its unique, oat-like seeds that hang gracefully from the side of the stem, it serves as a critical habitat anchor that thrives in the rocky, thin soils where lesser grasses fail.
We begin with our surroundings. Every seed we grow is hand-harvested from vigorous, wild-growing mature plants found on our ranch or within a strict 10-mile radius. This ensures our plants carry the specific site-adapted genetics required to handle the unique mineral profile and erratic weather of the Dripping Springs and Austin corridor.
These wild seeds are started in our custom Organic Seedling Mineral Mix—a gentle, high-porosity version of our heritage blend designed to nourish and encourage young roots to dive deep. We utilize open-flat sowing to allow these grasses to develop a vigorous, communal root system early on, mimicking the competitive and dense root mats found in a healthy wild prairie. This initial "social" growth phase builds a resilient foundation before they are transitioned to individual pots for specialized vertical training.
As the plants transition into their final phase, they are potted into deep, air-pruning pots. This critical step uses the dry Texas air to naturally prune root tips, forcing the plant to develop a massive, hyper-fibrous root system without circling. Once potted, they “rest” under the dappled shade of our Texas Live Oak trees, acclimating to our hilltop winds and heavy spring rains. For the final two weeks, they field-harden in unapologetic full sun. This multi-phase approach ensures every plant leaving our ranch has been "performance-tested" and is biologically prepared for a resilient, irrigation-free Hill Country life once established.
A versatile, mid-sized bunchgrass that provides sophisticated texture, erosion control, and high-impact wildlife value.
The Signature Bloom: In summer and fall, delicate red-to-purple flowers emerge, followed by the iconic "oats" that dance in the hilltop breeze.
Seasonal Color: Its foliage transitions from a clean blue-green in the spring to stunning hues of golden-brown, orange, and even purple as the temperatures drop.
Ecological Anchor: A “must-have” for any regenerative wildlife sanctuary, it’s roots navigate up to 6 feet down to stabilize soil and retain and slowly release moisture to surrounding plants during droughts. It’s foliage provides vital food for baby butterflies and songbirds and help to slow water-run off and build nutrient rich soil.
Field-grown, sun-hardened, and air-pruned. Delivered in a 4.5” Deep Square Pot with a vertical 5”, robust root system designed to anchor deep into our rocky Hill Country soil, ensuring this perennial returns with more vigor year after year.
Sideoats Grama is at its best in full, unapologetic Texas sun. It is remarkably adaptable and will thrive in everything from heavy clay to pure limestone scree. For a natural prairie look, space plants 12 inches apart and retire your irrigation system once they have taken hold in your soil.
For a premium Hill Country look, plant Sideoats Grama behind your Silver Ponyfoot and to the side of your Spineless Prickly. The vertical, golden stems of the grass provide a stunning backdrop for the shimmering silver carpet of the Ponyfoot, creating a low-maintenance, drought-proof landscape that looks intentional and wild all at once.
Lineage: Wild-Harvested Texas Native | Soil: Organic Heritage Mineral Blend
Our Sideoats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) is an Artisan Grown structural powerhouse and a cornerstone of the Hill Country prairie. This isn't a typical nursery-raised ornamental grass; it is a field-forged survivor designed to anchor your soil and provide year-round architectural interest. Known for its unique, oat-like seeds that hang gracefully from the side of the stem, it serves as a critical habitat anchor that thrives in the rocky, thin soils where lesser grasses fail.
We begin with our surroundings. Every seed we grow is hand-harvested from vigorous, wild-growing mature plants found on our ranch or within a strict 10-mile radius. This ensures our plants carry the specific site-adapted genetics required to handle the unique mineral profile and erratic weather of the Dripping Springs and Austin corridor.
These wild seeds are started in our custom Organic Seedling Mineral Mix—a gentle, high-porosity version of our heritage blend designed to nourish and encourage young roots to dive deep. We utilize open-flat sowing to allow these grasses to develop a vigorous, communal root system early on, mimicking the competitive and dense root mats found in a healthy wild prairie. This initial "social" growth phase builds a resilient foundation before they are transitioned to individual pots for specialized vertical training.
As the plants transition into their final phase, they are potted into deep, air-pruning pots. This critical step uses the dry Texas air to naturally prune root tips, forcing the plant to develop a massive, hyper-fibrous root system without circling. Once potted, they “rest” under the dappled shade of our Texas Live Oak trees, acclimating to our hilltop winds and heavy spring rains. For the final two weeks, they field-harden in unapologetic full sun. This multi-phase approach ensures every plant leaving our ranch has been "performance-tested" and is biologically prepared for a resilient, irrigation-free Hill Country life once established.
A versatile, mid-sized bunchgrass that provides sophisticated texture, erosion control, and high-impact wildlife value.
The Signature Bloom: In summer and fall, delicate red-to-purple flowers emerge, followed by the iconic "oats" that dance in the hilltop breeze.
Seasonal Color: Its foliage transitions from a clean blue-green in the spring to stunning hues of golden-brown, orange, and even purple as the temperatures drop.
Ecological Anchor: A “must-have” for any regenerative wildlife sanctuary, it’s roots navigate up to 6 feet down to stabilize soil and retain and slowly release moisture to surrounding plants during droughts. It’s foliage provides vital food for baby butterflies and songbirds and help to slow water-run off and build nutrient rich soil.
Field-grown, sun-hardened, and air-pruned. Delivered in a 4.5” Deep Square Pot with a vertical 5”, robust root system designed to anchor deep into our rocky Hill Country soil, ensuring this perennial returns with more vigor year after year.
Sideoats Grama is at its best in full, unapologetic Texas sun. It is remarkably adaptable and will thrive in everything from heavy clay to pure limestone scree. For a natural prairie look, space plants 12 inches apart and retire your irrigation system once they have taken hold in your soil.
For a premium Hill Country look, plant Sideoats Grama behind your Silver Ponyfoot and to the side of your Spineless Prickly. The vertical, golden stems of the grass provide a stunning backdrop for the shimmering silver carpet of the Ponyfoot, creating a low-maintenance, drought-proof landscape that looks intentional and wild all at once.
Our plants are intentionally cultivated to be site-adapted and focus their energy on growing larger, faster, and healthier below ground so they can take-off above ground once planted. All plants are grown to prioritize dense, downward-oriented root systems that allow rapid establishment in non-irrigated, deer-pressured landscapes.
Water and cage until established. Even for deer resistant plants, expect browsing, especially during drought — survival comes from the roots.
