Big Bluestem
Big Bluestem is called the king of the native grasses and it will grow 3 to 9 feet tall and has roots 12 to 13 feet deep. This gives it a lot of drought tolerance.
Big Bluestem is adapted to a wide range of soils but does best on fertile well drained soils. Big Bluestem is used for prairie restoration, grazing and haymaking. Livestock prefer it to other grasses.
Establishment
Plant 1/4″ deep.
Management
Native grasses are slow establishing and weed control is vital during stand development. When grazing or cutting, do not graze Big Bluestem under 8 inch height and do not cut/graze until it is at least 16 inches tall. Do not graze it below 8 inches. A rest before frost is a good idea to give the plant time to store carbohydrates in the stems and crowns. If cutting for hay cut the 1st crop early while it is still leafy and before it heads out.