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sand bluestem
Scientific Name: Andropogon hallii
Family: Poaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Sand Bluestem (Andropogon hallii)
Sand Bluestem, scientifically known as Andropogon hallii, is also commonly referred to as sand hill bluestem, Hall's bluestem, Hall's beardgrass, prairie bluestem, or turkey-foot.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Andropogon hallii Hack.
- Family: Poaceae (Gramineae)
- Synonyms: Andropogon gerardii var. paucipilus (Nash) Fern.
Distribution and Habitat
Sand Bluestem is native to the United States, particularly along the eastern edge of the Great Plains, stretching from North Dakota to eastern regions. It is climatically adapted throughout the Great Plains region. Primarily on the central and western plains, and is well-suited for the hot dry climate of western North America..
Ecological Role
Sand Bluestem is considered a major grass of the "True Tall-grass Prairies." It is also valued for erosion control, particularly on sandy soils, and is used as a cover crop for sand dunes. Its positive ecological impact is often lauded.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- A perennial, warm-season bunchgrass that is sod-forming and rhizomatous.
- Grows to a height of 3-7 feet (approximately six feet tall).
- Resembles Big Bluestem but is more rhizomatous.
- Stems (culms) are erect, stout, simple at the base, branched above, solid, grooved on one side, and smooth or nearly so, with a more or less waxy texture.
- Leaves (blades) are flat to rolled.
Uses
- Erosion control, especially on sandy sites.
- Pasture and hay production.
- Complementary rangeland-forage production systems.
- Soil stabilization and reclamation.
- Forage palatability and high yield.
Cultivars
Several cultivars of Sand Bluestem exist, including 'Chet' (a medium-stature variety) and 'Centennial'.
Interactions with Other Organisms
Sand Bluestem can be affected by weeds, which can interfere with its growth.
Further Information
Additional information can be found in the USDA NRCS Plant Guide and the Encyclopedia of Life. Also see the Montana Field Guide for inclusion and also the USDA Forest Service Rangelands on the World Wide Web.