Blue grama is a native grass species that is fairly easy to identify when in flower. The inflorescence grows perpendicular to the stem, giving it a near-horizontal growth pattern. The spikelet also resembles an eyelash, which gives it the nickname of eyelash grass. As the plant dries out, the flower head starts to curl and forms a halo.
Blue grama grows in dense tufts and can spread via rhizomes, which makes it a great alternative to classic turf grasses when choosing a species for your lawn. Blue grama is not only native, but it is also low growing, drought tolerant, wildly distributed in Colorado, and is suitable winter forage. It attracts butterflies and birds and serves as a larval host for species of skipper butterflies.
Not to be outdone by the iconic Colorado blue columbine, blue grama is the Colorado state grass. It received this designation in 1987.
Archuleta County Weed and Pest is your local resource for managing noxious weed populations and controlling other pests.
Fair Promotion Day
4-H members will seen around town on July 10 from noon to 2 p.m. hanging posters for the 76th Archuleta County Fair.
They will be in small groups stopping by your businesses in hopes of hanging a flyer in your window, on your community bulletin board or leaving some info cards on your desks.
The Archuleta County Fair is Aug. 1-4, and is where 4-H members showcase the projects they have been working on all year.
Feel free to speak with them about the projects, how to purchase tickets to the Chuckwagon Dinner and when to see the shows.
Many 4-H members will be selling their livestock animals in the Junior Livestock Auction on Aug. 3, so be sure to inquire about how you can get involved.
