Old World Bluestem
Common Name: Old World Bluestem
Other Names: Yellow Bluestem, Plains Bluestem, King Ranch Bluestem
Species Name: Bothriochloa ischaemum
Plant Type: Grasses & Grass-like
Family Name: Poaceae, Grass Family
Tribe: Andropogoneae, Bluestem Tribe
Examples of Old World Bluestem Bothriochloa ischaemum
| Plant Facts | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Asia |
| Duration | Perennial |
| Season | Warm |
| Distribution in the U.S. | Southern-central states |
| Distribution in Oklahoma | Throughout the state |
ID Characteristics
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Field Identification Characteristics
Vegetative
- Entire plant is light green or golden-yellow
- Stem sections alternate at angles left and right at each node
Floral
- Seed heads with 4-12 branches all attached at the tip of the stem
- Seed heads are fuzzy
-
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
- Plant Height: 40-90 centimeters
- Ligule Type: Ciliate membrane
- Sheath: Glabrous or Villous
- Leaves: Cauline
-
Floral Characteristics
- Inflorescence Type: Rames
- Florets Per Spikelet: 2
- Glumes: Equal
| Habitat/Ecology | |
|---|---|
| Soil Type | Well-drained sandy, loamy and clay soils |
| Habitat | Prairies, shrublands, and other native plant communities |
| Successional Stage | Early, but invades all stages |