Caucasian Bluestem

Abstract

Caucasian bluestem, Bothriochloa ischaemum, is a warm-season perennial grass which was introduced from Russia in 1929. Caucasian belongs in the group known as Old World bluestems and is not related to Missouri's native species such as big and little bluestems. Early reports referred to caucasian as a bunch grass, but older stands tend to form a sod. Caucasian bluestem is an erect, fine-stemmed, leafy grass. Forage yields usually exceed other adapted Old World bluestems. Compared with other warm-season perennial grasses, it is easily established from seed. No serious disease problems have been reported on caucasian, and it is well adapted throughout southern and central Missouri. However, in yield and adaptation, it compares less favorably with native warm-season grasses when grown in the northern part of the state.