Bouteloua gracilis 'Blonde Ambition' is a striking ornamental grass known for its chartreuse to blonde seed heads that stand horizontally like eyebrows creating a whimsical architectural effect. Its fine blue green foliage forms dense clumps and turns golden in fall offering multi season interest and drought resilience. It is a standout choice for dry landscapes, meadows, and naturalistic plantings.
Height & Spread: 24 - 30 in x 24 - 30 in
Bloom Time: Mid summer to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained, sandy or rocky soil
Watering Needs: Low once established; highly drought tolerant
Deer Resistance: Rarely browsed due to tough foliage and dry location preference
Native Status
Bouteloua gracilis is native to large portions of western and central North America, thriving in prairies, foothills, and arid grasslands. 'Blonde Ambition' is a cultivar selected for ornamental value but retains the durability of the species.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- Seed heads attract finches, sparrows, and juncos especially in fall and winter when other food is scarce.
Butterflies
- Provides resting spots and wind shelter for small grassland butterflies such as Common Checkered Skippers and Orange Sulphurs.
Beneficial Insects
- Supports predatory beetles and spiders that overwinter in the clumps offering natural pest control in xeric gardens.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space plants 18 - 24 in apart to allow room for clump expansion and maximize airflow in dry environments.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for dry borders, rock gardens, native grass meadows, and xeriscapes. Provides movement and contrast with perennials and wildflowers.
Companion Plants
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Blue green blades and rusty fall hues pair well in native grass displays.
- Penstemon pinifolius 'Compactum' - Low growing red blooms add color contrast while thriving in similarly dry sunny conditions.
- Gaillardia aristata (Blanket Flower) - Vivid daisy shaped blooms match the prairie style and echo the golden seed heads of 'Blonde Ambition'.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' - Compact golden flowers bloom heavily and mirror the warm tones of the seed spikes.
- Echinacea pallida - Pale coneflower petals sway with the grass enhancing the vertical structure and native habitat appeal.