Why Little Bluestem
State Grass > Why
Why a state grass?
The symbols that represent Kansas, such as the State Flower, the Annual Sunflower, and the State Tree, the Cottonwood, teach our children about the place where they live. Kansas is a grassland ecosystem, yet we do not have a State Grass. As a symbol of the prairies of Kansas, a State Grass will focus the attention of Kansans of all ages on the prairie ecosystem. The heritage of the prairies is strong in Kansas, yet many children and adults who live in cities and towns may not be aware of the many ways the grasslands contribute to our quality of life.
Why little bluestem?
Several native grasses are considered dominant in pastures and prairies across the state, but the one species that is found in every county of Kansas is Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium). Little Bluestem is a native perennial with a dense root system reaching five to eight feet into the soil. It is drought resistant and grows from two to five feet tall in deep, shallow or rocky soils. It is important for wildlife habitat. It was once the most abundant grass in the Great Plains and is still of major importance in the tall, mixed and shortgrass prairies where it can produce one to two tons of biomass per acre. This grass is nutritious and palatable for cattle and bison, especially after a spring burn, when the new growth is highly attractive to grazers.
Little bluestem can introduce people to our prairies
By adopting a State Grass for Kansas, educators will have the opportunity to teach about native prairies, emphasizing their economic, ecological, historical and aesthetic values. The graceful grasses are a hallmark of the prairies. They dominate the landscape and provide food and forage for our population. It is time to add this fundamental icon to the symbols that represent "natural" Kansas to our residents and visitors.
