Parry's grama facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Parry's grama |
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| Infloresence at left, with a single floret at right | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Bouteloua
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| Species: |
parryi
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| Synonyms | |
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Chondrosium parryi (E. Fourn.) |
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Bouteloua parryi, often called Parry's grama, is a type of grass. It grows naturally in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It belongs to the grama grass family.
What is Parry's Grama Like?
Parry's grama is an annual grass. This means it completes its whole life cycle in one year. It usually grows to be about 20–60 cm (7.9–23.6 in) tall. Sometimes, it can even reach 80 cm (31 in) in height.
The flowers of this grass grow in special clusters. These clusters are called inflorescences. Each grass stem, or culm, has about three to seven of these flower branches. When the flowers are fully grown, they have a pretty blue-violet color.
Different Types of Parry's Grama
There are a few different kinds, or varieties, of Parry's grama.
- B. parryi var. parryi is a perennial type. This means it lives for more than two years. It has special hairs on its upper leaves. It also spreads using underground stems called stolons.
- B. parryi var. gentryi is different. It is an annual grass, so it lives for only one year. This variety grows in clumps, rather than spreading out.
Where Does Parry's Grama Grow?
Parry's grama likes to grow in certain places. It often prefers rocky slopes or dry grasslands in the desert. You can find it at elevations between 910 m (3,000 ft) and 1,700 m (5,500 ft). However, it can grow anywhere from sea level up to 2,000 m (6,600 ft).
This grass is found in several places. It grows in the states of Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico in the United States. It also grows in the northern parts of Mexico.
