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Species: Big bluestem, turkey foot (Andropogon gerardii Vitman.)
Cultivars:
Origin: North America
Use: Grazing, restoration of native grasslands
bit bluestem image
Description:
General:

Life Span:
4-6 feet tall, bunchgrass, lower leaves covered with silky hair.
Perennial
Adaptation:
Distribution:

pH:
Soil:
Rainfall
Most of Texas. Not at its best in Arid Panhandle or Trans-Pecos area.
5.5-75
Sandy-loam, clay-loam.
10-30 Inches.
Management:
Seeding Rate:
Planting Date:
Planting Depth:
Seed Cost:
Season of Use:
Production:
6 lb PLS/A
March-May
0.25 inch
$72/A
May-October
4000-6000 lbs/A
Notes:
  • One of the big four grasses of the American tallgrass prairie (Big bluestems, Little bluestem, Yellow indiangrass and Switchgrass).
  • Reproduces primarily via rhizomes and blooms from August to November. Seeds mature in the fall.
  • Contributes to wildlife habitat for cover, nesting and denning.
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