Calamovilfa gigantea (Nutt.) Scribn. and Merr., 
big sandreedgrass 
DESCRIPTION 
Warm-season, robust, rhizomatous perennial. 
Height: 4 to 6 feet. 
Leaf blade: 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide at base; rolls inward; tapers 
to a long tip. 
Leaf sheath: Mostly basal ; overlapping; smooth. 
Seedhead: Open panicle 1 to 2 feet long; lemma and palea 
hairy on back. 
GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS 
Growth starts several days before that of other warm-season 
grasses in same locality. Reproduces from seed and from rhizomes. 
Grows in large colonies and if properly managed dominates site. 
DISTRIBUTION 
North Dakota south to northwest Texas and in Utah and Ari- 
zona. 
SITE ADAPTATION 
Adapted to deep sands and sand dunes. 
USE AND MANAGEMENT 
Big sandreedgrass is valuable for controlling erosion on deep 
sands subject to severe wind erosion. It cures well on stem, thus 
providing good winter forage for cattle. It is sometimes cut for 
hay. When it grows on sites large enough to be managed as sepa- 
rate units, it is often reserved for winter use. 
If grazed during summer, no more than 50 percent of current 
year’s growth by weight should be removed. This maintains a vig- 
orous healthy stand and leaves adequate mulch to control wind 
erosion. 
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