Andropogon scoparius Michx., little bluestem 
DESCRIPTION 
Warm^season, perennial bunch grass. 
Height : 2 to 4 feet. 
Leaf blade: Flat 6 to 10 inches long; 1/8 to 1/4 inch wide. 
Leaf sheath: Mostly basal; strongly keeled; hairy or smooth. 
Ligule: Ring of short hair on some plants. 
Stem: Basal ; flat; purplish during early growth. 
Seedhead: Racemes borne singly, in pairs, or in groups on 
zigzag rachis ; 2 spikelets 1 sterile, 1 fertile. 
GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS 
Growth starts in late spring and continues throughout summer 
if moisture is adequate. Reaches maximum height in July. Pro- 
duces seedheads in fall. Seed ripen in October and November. 
Withstands prolonged dry periods. Mature plants turn light red- 
dish brown. 
DISTRIBUTION 
Throughout the United States except Washington, Oregon, and 
California; in Canada and Mexico; seldom grows above the pon- 
derosa pine belt. 
SITE ADAPTATION 
Grows on a wide variety of soils but grows best on calcareous 
soils derived from limestone. 
USE AND MANAGEMENT 
Little bluestem, an important forage grass, is grazed readily by 
livestock, deer, and elk. It is cut for hay along eastern edge of 
Great Plains and in Arkansas. Seed are used extensively for re- 
seeding depleted ranges. 
For plant vigor, no more than 50 percent of current year’s 
growth by weight should be grazed off. Grazing should be de- 
ferred for 90 days every 2 to 3 years before seed maturity. When 
cut for hay, leave about a 4-inch stubble. Graze hay meadows 
moderately during dormant season. 
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