Forage of the Month: Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman)

Published: June 20, 2011

Big bluestem used to be the dominant grass in the native prairies of Missouri. Today, this perennial warmseason bunchgrass is used for forage and wildlife habitat. Big bluestem grows statewide, and it is currently found on about 1 million acres in Missouri. It produces good quality hay and will persist indefinitely if properly managed. It is both winter- and drought-hardy and does better in poorly drained soils than some other warm-season grasses. It is also compatible with many other forage species. However, it is slow to establish, and thus weeds can make establishment a problem. It works well in a planned grazing system if it is not allowed to become mature before grazing and if a 6-inch or greater stubble height is maintained to encourage regrowth.