Native to prairies across North America, big bluestem is used extensively in landscaping, agriculture, and landscape conservation efforts. Try to use a local ecotype if possible when restoring native vegetation in an area. It is a hardy ornamental grass that can tolerate poor soil conditions, drought, and is even adapted to fire. Common names include big bluestem, turkeyfoot, tall bluestem, and bluejoint. Pride of Barbados. Those who know say cattle love it too darn much--some ranchers call it "ice cream for cows." A tea made from the leaves is used as a wash to relieve fevers and general debility. The seed should be planted at a rate of seven p… In the longleaf pine ecosystem, the perennial big bluestem contributes to the fine flashy fuel needed for the maintenance of the ecosystem. However, applying a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in the spring months can help big bluestem to establish more quickly, which is especially desirable when big bluestem is grown as forage for cattle or other herds. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Livestock: Big bluestem is one of the most palatable warm season grasses and is preferred over Generally, it is planted in combination with other warm season grasses on these sites. Serrano Pepper. Big bluestem grows best in full sun but is adaptable to part shade. It is best established by conventional tillage, if possible. Uses Erosion control: Big bluestem is a top choice for erosion control plantings on sites with moderately well drained to excessively well drained soils. Andropogon gerardii. It’s one of the most important prairie grass species and provides high quality forage of all types of livestock. Big bluestem is a native grass and one of the main components of the tallgrass prairies that once covered Illinois. Keep any newly transplanted grasses consistently moist until they have re-established. For wildlife (quail) habitat establishment, use the lower rate. It can be used for all types of foraging livestock; Big Bluestem provides choice wildlife cover and habitat. USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9 are ideal for big bluestem. In the longleaf pine ecosystem, the perennial big bluestem contributes to the fine flashy fuel needed for the maintenance of the ecosystem. Be patient, big bluestem seeds can take up to four weeks to germinate! “Big blue” as it is commonly called is a climax prairie species. How to Grow and Care for Bristle Leaf Sedge (Carex Eburnea), 8 Best Ornamental Grasses to Add Privacy to the Garden, How to Cut Back Ornamental Grasses in Spring or Fall, Annual Ryegrass Differs From Perennial and Winter Rye Grass, Drooping Coneflower (Pale Purple Coneflower) Plant Profile, 20 Best Tall Plants for Container Gardens. Individual seed heads often have three spikelets that look like a turkey foot. It tolerates occasional wildfires, but not heavy grazing. Interestingly, big bluestem is well adapted to fire and can recover easily from wildfires thanks to the fact that big bluestem spreads via rhizomes. 3) was found on slightly more elevated and drier sites in the prairie. It may be grown as an ornamental grass because of its attractive foliage which changes color seasonally, its good architectural height and its interesting flower/seed heads. States are colored green where the species may be found. 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