Bouteloua curtipendula, commonly called side oats grama, is a Texas native grass noted for the distinctive arrangement of oat-like seed spikes that hang from only one side of its flowering stems. Typically occurs in meadows, prairies, open rocky woodlands, and railroad tracks throughout most of the State. Narrow, bluish-gray leaf blades (1/4" wide) typically form a dense clump growing 1-1.5' tall.

Foliage turns golden brown in autumn, sometimes also developing attractive hues of orange and red. Inflorescences of purplish-tinged flowers appear on arching stems above the foliage in early to mid-summer, typically bringing the total height of the clump to 3' tall. Inflorescences fade to tan as the seeds mature.