Caucasian bluestem
Also known as: Australian bluestem, Australian beardgrass
Bothriochloa bladhii (Retz.) S.T. Blake
[=Bothriochloa caucasica (Trin.) Hubb., C.E. ]
[=Andropogon bladhii Retz. ]
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Morphology
- Culm
- Erect, slender, solid, glabrous, grooved on 1 side, bearded or glabrous at nodes.
- Blades
- Flat or rolled outward, linear-lanceolate, 2-15 inches long, less than 1/4 inch wide, glabrous, midrib prominent; tips tapered to fine points.
- Sheath
- Glabrous, slightly keeled.
- Ligule
- Inconspicuously fringed membrane.
- Inflorescence
- Panicles, elongate, 2.5 to 6 inches long, pale green to purplish, axis longer than branches; branches slender, whorled, sometimes re-branching; rachis joints soft-hairy.
- Spikelets
- In pairs; sessile spikelets perfect, somewhat hairy at bases, slightly larger than stalked spikelets; fertile lemmas with awns 1/2 to 3/4 inch long.
Ecology
- Habitat
- Waste ground, roadsides, and pastures, more abundant on heavy-textured soils.
- Distribution
- Scattered in east three fourths of Kansas.
Practical Information
- Forage Value
- Occasionally planted for forage, but of only fair value.
Additional Notes
Comments
Tufted grass that is invasive and can become a serious weed issue. Tolerates drought conditions. The leaves have a turpentine-like odor when crushed.
Synonyms
Alternative scientific names that have been used for this plant.
Scientific Name: Bothriochloa caucasica
Full Citation: Bothriochloa caucasica Hubb., C.E.
Scientific Name: Andropogon bladhii
Full Citation: Andropogon bladhii Retz.
Quick Facts
- Plant Type
- Grass
- Family
- Poaceae - Grass Family
- Life Span
- Perennial
- Height
- 2 to 3 feet
- Last Updated
- 2007-06-28
Flowering Period
Blooms: July, August, September, October