By Jonathan O.C. Kubesch1,2
- Virginia Tech School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Blacksburg, VA
- Country Home Farms, Pembroke, VA
In the acidic, drier soils of the Bluegrass State and the Upper South, splitbeard bluestem (Andropogon ternarius) graces our landscapes with its elegant presence. This botanical marvel stands at comparable heights to little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), reaching heights of 3 to 6 feet, its feathery seed heads resembling delicate beards that lend an air of elegance to the verdant tapestry of Kentucky’s native flora. This member of the primary bluestem genus is most distinctive at the end of the growing season, generally September to November in Kentucky. Splitbeard bluestem captivates with its slender stems swaying gracefully in the breeze. Its ethereal silvery seed heads add a visual symphony to the landscape, creating a picturesque image in the minds of those who encounter it (Figures 1).
Figure 1. Splitbeard bluestem growing in a working cow-calf grazing system in Carroll County, Virginia. Photo credit: talented, yet unnamed research assistant. September 29, 2023.
Splitbeard and little bluestems can be differentiated from one another quite easily at the end of the season. Little bluestem florets curl up and down the stalk without branching. Splitbeard bluestem seed heads are especially feathery, branching, and generally convey a pinker hue than little bluestem (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Little bluestem (left hand) and splitbeard bluestem (right hand). Both bluestems growing in a working cow-calf grazing system in Carroll County, Virginia. Photo credit: talented, yet unnamed research assistant. September 29, 2023.
Splitbeard bluestem is well documented in the Upper South: particularly in Kentucky and Tennessee. Herbarium specimens catch the species in the Cumberland and Allegheny Plateaus, the Highland Rim, the Ridge and Valley, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Venturing into Kentucky’s diverse ecosystems, splitbeard bluestem thrives in various habitats, from sunny prairies to open woodlands. Ecotones — transitions between habitats or sun regimess — seem to be a key area to find this native grass (Figure 3). This resilient native weaves its story across acidic, well-drained soils.Splitbeard bluestem consists of a group of native grasses adapted to fire and herbivory in the landscape. Embarking on a journey through ecological history, splitbeard bluestem emerges as stalwart, surviving regular fires, elk (Cervus canadensis), and bison (Bison bison). Codeveloping with the region’s fauna, it has weathered the ages, adapting to the rhythms of fire and contributing to the rich tapestry of native ecosystems.
Figure 3. Splitbeard bluestem growing along an ecotone between open pasture and pine woodland in a working cow-calf grazing system in Carroll County, Virginia. Photo credit: talented, yet unnamed research assistant. September 29, 2023.
Now that bison and elk have been widely extirpated from the landscape and into history books, livestock and brush burning maintain splitbeard bluestem in unimproved pasturelands. Livestock graze on its nutritious blades prior to the formation of beautiful seedheads or incorporate seed in the fall. Some farmers appreciate not only its utilitarian value but also its aesthetic contribution to pastures. This grass suggests a conservation opportunity at the intersection of agriculture and ecology.
In the company of splitbeard bluestem, other botanical companions contribute to the rich tapestry of Kentucky’s native grasses. Broom sedge (Andropogon virginicus) and little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) are common co-occurring species. Some goldenrods (Solidago spp) and other forbs can co-occur with splitbeard bluestem. Their collective presence adds layers of biodiversity, creating a harmonious ecosystem where each species plays a unique role. The intricate dance of these co-occurring plants showcases the resilience and interdependence of Kentucky’s native flora.
Splitbeard bluestem is globally secure and not threatened, though it often occurs with rarer species (e.g., gray goldenrod; Solidago nemoralis)(Figures 3 and 4). This species can be one of the first signs that a grassland may have survived European colonization or recolonized waste ground soon after. As stewards of Kentucky’s natural treasures, there’s room to champion splitbeard bluestem, recognizing its ecological importance.
Figure 4. Splitbeard bluestem is the dominant species in this grassland. This native grassland is part of a working cow-calf grazing system in Carroll County, Virginia. Photo credit: talented, yet unnamed research assistant. September 29, 2023.
As the sun sets over Kentucky’s hills and meadows, a gentle call to action echoes. Let us celebrate splitbeard bluestem, not only as a grass but as a symbol of dynamic biodiversity and beauty that make the Bluegrass State truly special. In every swaying blade, there lies a promise for the future of Kentucky’s natural legacy.
Acknowledgements
This spotlight article was prompted by several fruitful conversations with a Carroll County landowner. These conversations have prompted case study and seed collections with the support of the proprietors of the unnamed Carroll County farm as well as Country Home Farms. Kubesch expresses his gratitude to Sarah Grace and Joseph Cole Kubesch for their presence and support.
Jonathan Omar Cole Kubesch is a graduate student defending his doctoral dissertation in November at Virginia Tech. He previously pursued a master’s degree in crop science at the University of Tennessee. He studied ecology—as well as agronomy—at the Ohio State University. He works with forages, grasslands, and prairies with a particular passion for native clovers. Jonathan, his wife, Sarah Grace, and son, Joseph, ranch turkeys and ducks in the mountains of western Virginia.