Andropogon divergens (Hack.) Anderss., pinehill bluestem 
DESCRIPTION 
Warm-season, rhizomatous perennial. 
Height: 2 to 3-1/2 feet. 
Leaf blade: 10 to 24 inches long; hairy on both sides but 
denser on top. 
Leaf sheath: Mostly basal; numerous; hairy; flattened; pur- 
ple when young ; slightly twisted. 
Stem : Branching near top. 
Seedhead: 6 to 8 stout racemes usually enclosed in a spathe; 
spikelets borne in pairs — one sterile, the other fertile. 
GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS 
Makes primary growth during late spring and summer. Re- 
mains green until late fall if moisture is available. Seedstalks 
form in September and persist for several months. Growing 
points are 2 to 4 inches above ground. Old growth is a distinct 
reddish brown during winter. Reproduces from short, scaly rhi- 
zomes. 
DISTRIBUTION 
In pine forests of east Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, 
Alabama, and Georgia. 
SITE ADAPTATION 
Best adapted to well-drained medium- and coarse-textured 
soils. Does not tolerate excessive wetness. Tolerates shade ; grows 
well under 50- to 60-percent shade. 
USE AND MANAGEMENT 
Pinehill bluestem provides high-quality forage when green and 
is grazed readily by cattle during spring and summer. It is the 
most important forage plant on longleaf and slash pine wood- 
lands within its range. This grass furnishes good forage in fall 
and winter but must be supplemented with protein concentrate. 
Close grazing for one season reduces production and kills some 
plants. For maximum production, no more than 50 percent of cur- 
rent growth by weight should be removed during any season. De- 
ferred grazing for at least 90 days before seed ripen improves 
plant vigor and increases seed production. This grass withstands 
occasional burning during dormancy if grazing is deferred for at 
least 60 days to allow plants to regain vigor. 
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