Old World Bluestems
Old World Bluestems are a group of warm season perennial bunchgrasses. As the name implies the Old World Bluestems are introduced from regions of Africa to India to China. The varieties we usually stock include: Medio Bluestem, W. W. B-Dahl, and T-587. These varieties of bluestems are typically more leafy and less stemmy than the original varieties introduced in the early 1900's. These bluestems can be grazed or hayed and respond well to fertilizer, although they can do quite well as part of a mix in a rangeland setting. These species have been shown to be invasive in native grasslands so caution should be exercised.
Recommended planting rate is 1.0 to 3.0 PLS pounds per acre depending on the variety. These seeds are considered to be chaffy and are difficult to broadcast without mixing with a carrier such as cracked corn or sand. The preferred method is to plant with a grass seed drill at a depth of 1/4 inch or less.