Big Bluestem

Description

Tall-growing, native perennial, warm-season bunchgrass. Deep-rooted grass that sometimes has rhizomes. More drought tolerant than most warm-season perennial grasses. Grows 3 to 7 feet tall.

Uses

Wildlife, pasture, hay.

Advantages

Desirable for wildlife. Good summer production that complements cool-season forage growth. Palatable over a wider range of maturities than switchgrass. Efficient user of fertilizer nitrogen.

Disadvantages

Slow and expensive to establish. Will not tolerate close, continuous grazing. Short growing season. Seed is light and requires planters that can handle fluffy seed.

Seeding

Rate: 6-10 lb/a pure live seed
Depth: ¼-½ in
Date: Apr 15-Jun 1

Harvest

First harvest: Jun 15-Jul 15
Annual yield: 2-4 tons dry matter/a