Andropogon elliottii Chapm., elliott bluestem 
DESCRIPTION 
Warm-season , perennial bunch grass. 
Height: Usually 2-1/2 to 3 feet. 
Leaf blade: 6 to 15 inches long; smooth except for cluster of 
hair just above ligule. 
Leaf sheath: Basal sheaths keeled, overlapping, relatively 
narrow ; upper sheaths rounded. 
Stem: Erect; 1 to 6 per plant, branching near top. 
Seedhead: Raceme partially enclosed in conspicuous en- 
larged spathe, which turns a rusty color when plant ma- 
tures. 
GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS 
New growth starts in early spring but most of growth is made 
during spring and summer. Seedheads develop during fall, and 
seedstalks remain for several months. Distinctive seedhead clus- 
ters make plants conspicuous after maturity. Grows best in open 
areas but tolerates some shade. 
DISTRIBUTION 
States south of a line from New Jersey and Pennsylvania, west 
to Illinois, and in the 11 Southern States. 
SITE ADAPTATION 
Adapted primarily to well-drained soils on uplands. Does not 
tolerate wet sites. 
USE AND MANAGEMENT 
Elliott bluestem is grazed readily by cattle during spring and 
early summer. Forage quality is relatively high when green. Pro- 
tein concentrate should be provided when grazed during dormant 
season. 
Although of fair grazing value, this grass is seldom if ever 
abundant enough to be a key management species. It usually 
makes up no more than 3 to 5 percent of the plant composition. 
Proper grazing of more plentiful associated grasses maintains 
proper percentage of this grass in the plant community. 
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