Creeping Bluestem Compared with Four Other Native Range Grasses

Abstract

Creeping bluestem (Andropogon stolonifer [Nash] Hitchc.), an important rhizomatous perennial native bluestem of Florida and southeast Georgia, was compared under five use-management schemes with four other important native range grasses common to the same region. The creeping bluestem was found to consistently outyield the other grasses throughout all the use-management plans under which they were compared. Three systems of management found feasible for the utilization of and continuing stand development of creeping bluestem were found to be: (1) periodic spring, summer, and autumn forage removal to 50% of leaf height plus complete forage utilization in the wintertime; (2) autumn forage removal during full bloom stage to 50% of leaf height coupled with full forage utilization in wintertime; and (3) full forage utilization in the wintertime.