Bouteloua radicosa

Bouteloua radicosa, colloquially known as purple grama, is a grass species in the grama genus native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

Description
Purple grama is a perennial grass that grows to 80 cm tall, with a dense rhizomatous base. It bears inflorescences in panicles that are 10 - 15 cm long and usually have seven to twelve branches. Branches are to 20-30 cm long and bear eight to eleven spikelets. Each spikelet bears two florets. The lower floret has a three awned lemma.

B. radicosa may hybridize with Bouteloua repens and Bouteloua williamsii, which could contribute to its apparent diversity.

Distribution
Purple grama is found between 3500 - 7000 ft and prefers desert grasslands or dry rocky slopes. It is present in Arizona, New Mexico, and California. It was introduced to Maine, although it remains uncommon there.