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Extension

Plant Profile 
FYUSE 3d Image

Common Name: Silver Bluestem
Other Names: Silver Beardgrass
Species Name: Bothriochloa laguroides
Plant Type: Grasses & Grass-like
Family Name: Poaceae, Grass Family
Tribe: Andropogoneae, Bluestem Tribe

Plant Facts 
OriginNative
DurationPerennial
SeasonWarm
Distribution in the U.S.South central
Distribution in OklahomaThroughout the state

ID Characteristics

  • Field Identification Characteristics

    Vegetative

    • Pale yellow-green foliage
    • Stems between nodes almost entirely enclosed by sheath; stems ben at nodes
    • Sheaths terminate into partially vertical flags

    Floral

    • Silver, fluffy seed heads
  • Leaf and Stem Characteristics
    • Plant Height: 40-95 centimeters
    • Ligule Type: Ciliate membranous
    • Sheath: Glabrous or villous
    • Leaves: Cauline
  • Floral Characteristics
    • Inflorescence Type: Panicles
    • Florets Per Spikelet: 2
    • Glumes: Equal
Habitat/Ecology 
Soil TypeWell-drained; best growth in sandy, rocky soil
HabitatRight-of-ways, denuded construction sites or overgrazed areas
Successional StageEarly to mid