What are the benefits of little bluestem?
Ecosystem benefits: Little bluestem is a valuable forage species for livestock (Leithead et al. Tober and Jensen 2013). There are several varieties and cultivars of little bluestem. Some, such as ‘Aldous’, ‘Blaze’, ‘Camper’, ‘Cimmaron’ and ‘Pastura’, were developed as pasture grasses, so selection was based on productivity, not ornamental value.The Little Bluestem should germinate and grow as long as there are some bare patches within the clover for it to establish. After that, these two species should be fairly harmonious; the Little Bluestem rarely cedes its space in a garden, but it is not overly aggressive, either.
What soil is best for little bluestem?
Little bluestem is adapted to soils ranging from sandy to clay-loam in texture. It begins growth in late spring after cool-season species have already developed (Uchytil, 1989). The common name, bluestem, comes from the bluish cast to the early spring growth. Even in early spring you can tell big blue from little blue by gently pulling the culms, or stems, apart at the plant’s base. Big blue will have fine hairs where the leaf joins the culm.
How aggressive is Little Bluestem?
The Little Bluestem should germinate and grow as long as there are some bare patches within the clover for it to establish. After that, these two species should be fairly harmonious; the Little Bluestem rarely cedes its space in a garden, but it is not overly aggressive, either. For optimum germination and growth, freshly collected seed of little bluestem requires a cold, moist stratification before it will germinate at high temperatures.