Little Bluestem

Species: Little bluestem [Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash]
Cultivars:
Origin: North America
Use: Grazing
Description:
General:
Life Span:		 2-4 feet tall, erect, bunchgrass.
Perennial
Adaptation:
Habitat:

pH:
Soil:
Rainfall:
Temperature:

 In Texas found in prairies, dry hills, rocky slopes of pastures.
5.5-7.5
Sandy-loam, clay-loam.
16-45 inches.
-33ยบ F (minimum)
Management:
Seeding Rate:
Planting Date:
Planting Depth:
Seed Cost:
Season of Use:
Production:		 3.5 lb PLS/A
March-May
0.25
$40/A; $7/lb
May-October
2500-3000 lb/A
Notes:
  • Reproduces via tillers, rhizomes, and seeds.
  • Blooms from August to December and produces seed from September to December.
  • Provides fairly nutritious grazing for cattle early in the growing season but decreases with maturity.
  • Poor forage for wildlife.
  • Provides seed and forages for birds and small mammals (denning and nesting).

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