| Species: |
Little bluestem [Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash] |
| Cultivars: |
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| Origin: |
North America |
| Use: |
Grazing |
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| Description: |
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General:
Life Span:
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2-4 feet tall, erect, bunchgrass.
Perennial |
| Adaptation: |
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Habitat:
pH:
Soil:
Rainfall:
Temperature:
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In Texas found in prairies, dry hills, rocky slopes of pastures.
5.5-7.5
Sandy-loam, clay-loam.
16-45 inches.
-33º F (minimum)
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| Management: |
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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
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| Notes: |
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- 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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Ag Programs » Forages of Texas - North Central » Species