Cane Bluestem

Bothriochloa barbinodis

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Bothriochloa
Species:
Bothriochloa barbinodis

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
3-4 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov

Native Range

United States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah

Host Plant for Caterpillars

paradoxical grass moth (Heliocheilus paradoxus)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy to loamy soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers open, sunny locations

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Direct seeding on listed beds, irrigation, cultivation and fertilization.

Establishment: Seeds are collected when they form a white fluffy fan at the top of the culms and when they readily detach from the plant. The plant prefers calcareous loamy soils and can survive in very dry areas that receive seasonal flooding. It is an important food and shelter plant for Gambel’s quail and rabbits, and it can be useful in erosion control.

Source: npn.rngr.net