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
Plant Facts | |
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Origin | Asia |
Duration | Perennial |
Season | Warm |
Distribution in the U.S. | Southern-central states |
Distribution in Oklahoma | Throughout the state |
ID Characteristics
- 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 | |
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Soil Type | Well-drained sandy, loamy and clay soils |
Habitat | Prairies, shrublands, and other native plant communities |
Successional Stage | Early, but invades all stages |
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