GRASSES OF IOWA, 



381 



; (Andropogon halepensis). Good productive grass, 



but very aifflcult to eradicate in the sr"'^' — - 



ner, Div. Agrost. U. S. Dept. of Agrl.) 



Fig. 177. Johson grass, (Andropogon halepensis). Good ^ 



but very difBcult to eradicate in the southern states, (F. Lamson-Scrib 

 ner. Div. Affrnst. T". S. Dent, of Aerl/) 



Big Blue Stem {Andropogon 'provincialis, Lam.,) is a tall grow- 

 ing perennial, frequently five feet high, usually four. It is a 

 variable species, growing in bunches occasionally eight feet 

 high and producing a large number of leaves. It is a common 

 species throughout the state. Wherever a bit of prairie 

 remains this grass grows in abundance. It occurs on the high, 

 rolling prairie, rocky, open, wooded hillsides, and along allu- 

 vial creeks and river bottoms. Bluestem is an important fac- 

 tor in the wild hay made in the Missouri bottoms, especially 

 in the northwestern part of Iowa. It is liked by stock, both 

 as green forage and as hay. For horses many farmers prefer 

 it to timothy. Bluestem hay brings a higher price in the mar- 

 ket than any other wild hay. It starts late in the spring, and 



