Caucasian bluestem
(Bothriochloa bladhii (Retz.) S.T. Blake)

Overview

Appearance

Bothriochloa bladhii is perennial grass that grows from 20-59 in. (50–150 cm) tall. The culms are erect and it is native to subtropical Africa and Asia.

Foliage

Leaves are cauline with glabrous leaf blades from 8-14 in. (20-35 cm) long and 0.04-0.2 in. (1-4.5 mm) wide. The membranous ligule is from 0.02-0.06 in. (0.5-1.5 mm) long with sparse white hairs. Leaves have a strong turpentine smell when crushed.

Flowers

The reddish panicle is from 2-6 in. (5-15 cm) long. The central rachis is from 2-5 in. (6-12 cm) long with many branches that range from 1.2-3 in. (3-7 cm) long. Spikelets have awns from 0.4-0.7 in. (10-17 mm) long.

Fruit

Fruits are caryopses that are lanceolate to oblong and somewhat flattened. The hilum is punctate and the embryo is about half as long as the caryopsis. B. bladhii also produces short rhizomes.

Ecological Threat

B. bladhii can be found in pastures, open disturbed areas and along roadsides. It is somewhat tolerant of drought, but can also tolerate short term flooding. B. bladhii prefers heavy clay loam to clay soils and heavier alluvial soils.

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• Missouri SRISP Species List

References