Bothriochloa ischaemum
King Ranch Bluestem (KR Bluestem) is a pervasive invasive perennial grass introduced to Texas in the early 20th century for pasture forage and highway erosion control. Forming dense, monotypic stands across the Edwards Plateau, it aggressively outcompetes native tallgrasses like Little Bluestem and Side-oats Grama. Its dense root turf degrades soil microbial diversity and destroys critical open nesting habitat for ground birds like Bobwhite Quail.
Height: 1-3 ft.
Spread: 2-5 ft.
Foliage: Deciduous
Growth Rate: Moderate
Water Need: Low
Sun Need: Part Sun, Full Sun
Substrate / Soil: Limestone, Loam, Gravelly
Bloom Season: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
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