Blue-grama-Bouteloua gracilis

Note: This grass is not native to Cook county, but is found in northwest Illinois and scattered spots statewide. It is mainly native to the Great Plains.

Features:  This grass gets its common name from the blue-green leaf blades. Its distinctive seed heads resemble eyebrows.  Two species of leafhopper caterpillars and many species of grasshoppers feed on this grass.  It does not like competition from taller plants. Warm season, growing most in peak summer and can be used as a lawn alternative mixed with other low growers. Excellent drought tolerance. Its roots may be up to 6 feet deep!

Light: Full Sun

Soil: Medium-Dry to Dry. Prefers clay/sand/poor soil.

Height: up to 6in. Flowering stalks may be 1-2 feet

Blooms: June to July

See more information and photos at: Illinois Wildflowers and USDA Plants Database

Photos from Wikipedia