Description

Coarse, tall-growing, highly palatable, native warm-season perennial bunchgrass with thick rhizomes. Grows 4 to 6 feet tall.

Uses

Pasture, hay, and haylage.

Advantages

High yields and highly palatable to livestock. More even growth over entire season than switchgrass, big bluestem, or indiangrass. Will grow on wet sites.

Disadvantages

Somewhat expensive to seed. Seed can have high levels of dormancy leading to slow, uneven emergence and establishment. Must be rotationally grazed and rested in fall to persist.

Seeding

Rate: 7-10 lb/a
Depth: 1 in
Date: Apr 15-Jun 15

Harvest

First harvest: Jun 15
Annual yield: 4-6 tons dry matter/a

Publications

• Eastern Gamagrass - A Plant for Forage, Conservation, and Bioenergy
• Forage Identification and Use Guide
• Grain & Forage Crop Guide for Kentucky