Native plant in North Dakota play a crucial role in the country ’s landscape , and two standout grasses that are native to the arena are Big Bluestem ( Andropogon gerardii ) and Switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum ) . These grass not only add up beauty to the landscape but also provide numerous benefit , making them a fantastic choice for horticulture and landscaping projects .
Big Bluestem , also known as turkeyfoot , is a tall and spectacular grass that can reach heights of up to 6 human foot . It gets its name from the bluish - green semblance of its prow and leaves , which transition to a reddish - bronze hue in the fall . I have personally witness the smasher of self-aggrandizing Bluestem in North Dakota ’s prairies , where it imprint immense swaths of grasslands , swaying gracefully in the snap . Its grandiloquent and unsloped development habit provides an excellent structural element to any landscape .
Switchgrass , on the other hand , is a versatile green goddess that can adjust to various growing condition . It typically grows to a peak of 3 to 6 feet and features delicate semen head that impart interest to the landscape . Switchgrass can tolerate a wide range of grunge character , from well - drained to clayey grime , name it an excellent choice for dissimilar garden and landscaping projects . I have seen Switchgrass used in roadside plantings and erosion dominance applications , where its extensive root system helps brace land and prevent erosion .
Both Big Bluestem and Switchgrass are warm - time of year smoke , meaning they thrive in the hot summer month and provide color and texture when many other plants set about to disappearance . Their cryptical theme systems make them highly drouth - liberal , which is peculiarly beneficial in areas with limited water resources . Additionally , these pot furnish habitat and food for dame , butterflies , and other pollinators , enhancing the biodiversity of the landscape .
In terminal figure of sustenance , Big Bluestem and Switchgrass are relatively low - maintenance once established . They are adapted to the local climate and can withstand the harsh winter of North Dakota . These grasses benefit from episodic pruning or cut back in other spring to promote new outgrowth and maintain their attractive manakin .
When designing with native grasses like vainglorious Bluestem and Switchgrass , it is all-important to look at their growth habits and placement in the landscape . plant them in chemical group or drifts can create a more instinctive and cohesive look , mimicking the means they acquire in the wild . Combining them with other aboriginal industrial plant , such as wildflower , can further enhance the ocular appeal and ecological note value of the landscape painting .
boastful Bluestem and Switchgrass are two native grasses that are well - suited for North Dakota ’s landscapes . Their sturdy nature , multi - season interest , and ecological benefit make them a valuable addition to any horticulture or landscaping project . Whether used in prairie restorations , erosion ascendance , or simply as ornamental locoweed , these native plant impart to the smasher and sustainability of North Dakota ’s raw heritage .
Caroline Bates
