Big Bluestem
One of the most iconic grass species of the tallgrass prairie. Big bluestem is useful in pasture mixtures to provide summer forage and provides height and habitat for grassland birds. Forage value of big bluestem is high during vegetative growth. Seed heads are generally branched into three arms and resemble a turkey’s foot. This species is tolerant to the herbicide imazapic, which provides control of many troublesome introduced grasses. Can be planted alone or used in mixes. Common mixes are with little bluestem and indiangrass.
Planting date: Dormant seeding, November – February
No Stratification needed.
Spring planting, April – Early June
- Height: 42-96 inches tall
- Moisture: Moist to dry
- Sun Exposure: Full
Planting Rate: 10-15 pounds per acre
