The “Big Four” grasses of the prairie

A short description of the four primary tallgrasses of the prairies.

  • The “Big Four” grasses of the prairie
    The “Big Four” grasses of the prairie
  • The “Big Four” grasses of the prairie
    The “Big Four” grasses of the prairie
  • The “Big Four” grasses of the prairie
    The “Big Four” grasses of the prairie
  • The “Big Four” grasses of the prairie
    The “Big Four” grasses of the prairie

    Big Bluestem

    Can form sod in solid stands; takes on bunch grass shape in sporadic stands; blue sheen coloration on stem and purple coloration on seed heads; six to eight feet tall; seed head forms a three-pronged, turkey foot shape.

    Big bluestem is a major component of the tallgrass prairie region, and can be found on moderate to excessively drained sites. It will tolerate a wide range of soil types…