Commodities: Field Crops: Forages
Georgia Forages: Big Bluestem
Dr. Dennis Hancock,
Forage Extension Specialist
Crop & Soil Sciences Dept. 
Big bluestem has a very stemmy but tall growth habit which makes it an excellent speciesto provide wildlife habitat. However, its yield potential is generally less than switchgrass and eastern gamagrass. Big bluestem also matures later than other NWS grasses. However, big bluestem is more tolerant of drought and poor growing conditions than other NWS grasses.