Bouteloua gracilis (blue grama) is a long-lived  warm-season  perennial grass  native to North America. It is a green or greyish  low-growing  drought-tolerant grass with limited maintenance. Blue grama grows on a wide array of topographic positions  and in a range of well-drained soil types  from fine to coarse textured. Plant height at maturity ranges from 6"?12". The roots generally extend 12"?18" from the edge of the plant  and 3'?6' deep. Established plants are grazing-  cold-  and drought-tolerant  though prolonged drought leads to a reduction in root number and extent. They employ an opportunistic water-use strategy  rapidly using water when available  and becoming dormant during less-favorable conditions. Grown by the horticulture industry  and used in perennial gardens; naturalistic and native plant landscaping; habitat restoration projects; and in residential  civic  and highway erosion control. Blue Grama flowers are also used in dried flower arrangements. Among the Zuni people  the grass bunches are tied together and the severed end used as a hairbrush  the other as a broom. Bunches are also used to strain goat's milk.