Online Publications

AGR-175

Forage Identification and Use Guide

Caucasian Bluestem

Caucasian bluestem has finer leaves and is lower growing than the native warm-season grasses. It has a pale green color similar to orchardgrass.

Description Leafy, warm-season, perennial bunchgrass. Deep rooted and drought tolerant with fine stems. Grows 2 to 4 feet tall. Uses Pasture and hay. Advantages More uniform growth rates over summer season, more tolerant of close grazing than native warm-season grasses. Multiple cuttings possible. Disadvantages Fluffy seed that is hard to handle, slow to establish. Can become a weed in crop fields. No cover value for wildlife. Quality and animal acceptance declines rapidly with maturity compared to big bluestem and indiangrass. Seeding Rate: 2-4 lb/a PLS* Depth: ¼-½ in Date: Apr 15-Jun 1 Harvest First harvest: Jun 15-Jul 15 Annual yield: 3-5 tons dry matter/a *Pure live seed, or PLS, is equal to the percent germination multiplied by percent purity, both expressed as decimals. For example, a big bluestem seedlot that is 70% pure seed and 50% germination would be 35% pure live seed.