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(Bothriochloa laguroides)
Silver Bluestem (Bothriochloa laguroides)
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© Sam Kieschnick
CC BY 4.0
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© Sam Kieschnick
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CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Sam Kieschnick | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: sambiology | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Bothriochloa laguroides, commonly known as Silver Bluestem, is a deciduous perennial grass native to open woodlands, grasslands, and prairies in the Southern United States, Central America, and South America. It typically grows to a height and width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters), forming dense clumps of narrow, blue-green leaves that turn a striking silver color as they mature. The plant produces fluffy, silvery-white seed heads in late summer to fall, which are highly ornamental and persist into winter, adding visual interest to the landscape.
Silver Bluestem is valued for its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalized areas. It is often used in meadow plantings, as an accent in borders, and for erosion control on slopes. This grass thrives in full sun and adapts well to a variety of soil conditions, provided they have good drainage. While generally pest-free, it can become invasive if not managed properly, so gardeners should be mindful of its spreading nature.CC BY-SA 4.0
Silver Bluestem is valued for its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalized areas. It is often used in meadow plantings, as an accent in borders, and for erosion control on slopes. This grass thrives in full sun and adapts well to a variety of soil conditions, provided they have good drainage. While generally pest-free, it can become invasive if not managed properly, so gardeners should be mindful of its spreading nature.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands, grasslands, and prairies
Other Names
Common Names: Silver Bluestem, Silver Beardgrass
Scientific Names: , Bothriochloa laguroides, Bothriochloa laguroides subsp. laguroides, Andropogon laguroides, Andropogon saccharoides var. laguroides, Bothriochloa saccharoides var. laguroides, Andropogon saccharoides subsp. laguroides, Andropogon tenuirachis, Andropogon laguriformis, Deyeuxia megapotamica
GBIF Accepted Name: Bothriochloa laguroides (DC.) Herter