little bluestem - Schizachyrium scoparium

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Most research indicates that this species was historically the predominant component of most piedmont grasslands and savannas.  Even today, it can be found in many old fields where other native species have been extirminated.  Most varieties have a reddish color in the fall and the seeds have a brilliant white shine in the sunlight.

indiangrass - Sorgastrum nutans

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This grass is medium-tall in height compared to other natives and sports an attractive tawny seed head.  More to come.....

 

big bluestem - Andropogon gerardii

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more information soon

 

switchgrass - Panicum virgatum

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This species is an aggressive grass with several varieties suited to a wide range of sites.  It is often used because of the reduced planting difficulty.  It is prized by hay producers due to the fast growth and forage yields.  Early research shows promise for its use as a biomass alternative for ethanol production.  Scattered stands still exist primarily in the coastal plain.  This species should not be planted for wildlife over large areas due to its habit of forming monoculture stands that are very dense and hard to manage.

 

sideoats grama - Bouteloua curtipendula

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more information soon

 

 

Recommended Flowers & Forbs associated with Native Grasses

-Partridge Pea

-Black-eyed Susan

-Virginia Aster

-Prairie Coneflower

-Indian Blanket

-Hyssop Skullcap

-Evening Primrose

-Slender Lespedeza

-Illinois bundleflower

-Common ragweed

-Tickseed sunflower

-Purple Coneflower

-Goldenrod            

-Flebane Daisy

 

Recommended Mixtures for Eastern States

Different objectives call for different species and/or planting rates.  This is not to say that native grass stands are only good for a single resource.  All are more beneficial than cool-season exotics for a variety of objectives, but these recommendations are for those who wish to optimize their successes.  All rates are in PLS weights per acre.   Our staff will create a custom mix on properties where we handle the planting.  Call for details.

Pasture Mix  (Flash Grazing System)

2.0 lbs. Switchgrass - Blackwell variety

2.5 lbs. Big Bluestem

2.5 lbs. Indiangrass

1.0 lb.  Little bluestem

1.0 lb.  Sideoats Grama

Hay Mix (Mid/Late Summer Cutting, July/Aug)

-4.0 lbs. Big Bluestem

-3.0 lbs. Indiangrass

-2.0 lbs. Little Bluestem

Hay/Biomass (Early Summer Cutting, May/June)*

6-10 lbs. Switchgrass - multiple varieties 

                 OR

5-8 lbs.  Eastern Gamagrass

* = Not recommended for wildlife in large plantings because haying will occur during peak nesting.

Clearcut Conversion to Grassland for Wildlife

Strongly recommend burning site prior to planting.

1.0 lb.  Indiangrass

1.0 lb.  Little bluestem

0.5 lb.  Sideoats Grama

0.5 lb.  Big Bluestem

0.5 lb.  Partridge Pea