State Grass of Colorado

Blue Grama Grass Is The State Grass of Colorado. Blue Grama grass was adopted as the official state grass on May 20, 1987, by a resolution of the General Assembly. Colorado State Grass Blue Grama is a grass native to the state of Colorado, growing throughout many of the state’s life zones on both sides of the Continental Divide. Grasslands are an important resource to the State of Colorado with considerable economic and conservation significance.

A state grass was designated to help inform and educate citizens and tourists about this resource. State Grass of Colorado blue grama grass (Bouteloua gracilis) is a clump-forming grass grown for its fine, delicate leaves and bluish-green seed heads, which jut out from the stem horizontally. The grass is quite short, growing to a mature height of about 12 to 14 inches. In winter, the foliage turns tan while the seed heads shift to reddish burgundy. The common name mosquito grass references the seed heads, which some say resemble mosquito larvae.

State Cactus Of Colorado

Claret Cup Cactus Is The State Cactus Of Colorado. Colorado designated the claret cup cactus (Echinocereus triglochidiatus) as the official state cactus in 2014. This Act was passed thanks to the efforts of 4 girls from the Douglas County Girl Scout Troop 2518 in Castle Rock, Colorado.

State Cactus Of Colorado Echinocereus triglochidiatus is a species of hedgehog cactus known by several common names, including kingcup cactus, claret-cup, and Mojave mound cactus. Colorado State Cactus is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it is a resident of varied habitats from low desert to rocky slopes, scrub, and mountain woodland. It is most abundant in shady areas.

Excerpt from HOUSE BILL 14-1024:

(1) The general assembly hereby finds and declares that:

(a) The Echinocereus triglochidiatus cactus, more commonly known as the claret cup cactus, is native to Colorado and is found in the state’s varied habitats, from low, dry land to rocky slopes and mountain woodlands;

(b) The claret cup cactus grows in elevations from four hundred ninety feet to nine thousand eight hundred fifty feet;

(c) The claret cup cactus is considered one of the easiest varieties of cactus to grow and is very popular in rock gardens.