Grasslander I only have seeds of Big bluestem and indiangrass, I don't want switchgrass because that grass Is HIGHLY inefficient at setting seed because of Its Alleles (Gene forms) and It Is heavily dependant on Fertilizer. So Its completly out the question. I think Big Bluestem will In time overtake completely Indiangrass because Indiangrass starts to decline In the absence of fire, No so with Big bluestem It continues to spread and there Is scientific research to back that claim up. In a 6 year plot that hadn't been burned Big bluestem took Indiangrass completely over. I guess Im going to plant them both and just see who can be the more aggressive of the 2. And by the way Big bluestem DOES have a rhizomatous root system.

Are you planning mostly grass or a prairie effect with flowering plants too? If you want room for flowers between the grasses, try spacing at 2 to 3 feet. Indian grass and Big blue stem grow mostly upright but switch grasses are wider.

docmom, the variations of bluestem seem to be based mainly on the aesthetics of bluer foliage and secondly fall color. There are so many variations in nature but I believe they are selected from local genotypes displaying desirable qualities. 'Standing Ovation' is touted to be more upright in less than favorable conditions (richer soil) but 'Blue Heaven' is one that doesn't lodge either. The stems seem to be a bit thicker and stronger. As far as their value to wildlife is concerned I don't think it would matter on the type. Wholesale seed is sold with indications that some strains do better in certain areas than others. The value lies in the fact that grasslands as a whole are the foundation for life, they bind the earth, prevent water & wind erosion, are the base of the land food chain feeding all wildlife (including us) and they are shrinking. Wes Jackson's remark "The plow is deadlier than sword" is a quote often used to describe the situation we have created. Size really matters, some animals will die out simply because they cannot cross roads cut through a prairie and they require a certain size habitat for the species to survive. Unlike trees, the roots replenish the underground aquifers so that is another important feature. wiscon, I am no where near living in a desert, this is oil, wheat and cattle country. Our annual rainfall averages about 36" per year. We experience floods, droughts, blizzards, tornadoes, ice and hail. The weather is a real roller coaster ride here on the plains, we even brag about it.

A grouping of 3 plants shown in different seasons. I started 6 more plants this spring from root sections, they were easy to dig out. Closeup in late summer 2014 with little bluestem in front Same clump wide shot February 2015 prior to cutting back Wide shot in late afternoon sun, P. 'Heavy Metal' to the right of photo May 2015 behind a swath of Mexican Feather Grass