Andropogon Andropogon gerardii ( Big Bluestem ) A fast growing, upright, clumping grass, reaching up to 12 x 7 ( rarely over 8 ) feet, that is native to the tall grass prairie ecosystem in central North America but also found over a wider range ( from Saskatchewan to Red Lake, Ontario to Kenogami River Ontario to Quebec & Maine; south to Arizona to southern Texas to far northern … In Ontario, meadow voles and white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) occur together in ecotones. Long, supporting canes bear extrodinary clusters of bright pink, double blooms in summer. Overview. Examples, however, include Bermudagrass, bahiagrass, big bluestem, eastern gamagrass, Indiangrass, switchgrass, and little bluestem. The main roots are 6–10 ft (1.8–3.0 m) deep, and the plants send out strong, tough rhizomes, so it forms very strong sod. Table 1 Effect of atrazine on yields of big bluestem and switchgrass during the establishment year. The planting took place in the spring of 1993 using a local ecotype Big Bluestem and Switchgrass along with a mixture that included Indiangrass, Little Bluestem, Sideoats and Green Needlegrass. Wind and drought tolerant, but prefers extra moisture. It has a distinctive sturdy texture and unique grey leaf blades. They were present in very low numbers on orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata)-dominated plots. Its distinct blue-green color makes it ideal for many applications, including cemeteries, golf courses, and even commercial sites. Upper border has row of beige flowers with rounded blossom in beige and cream; lower border has purple three-leaved plant on green grass., USA, 1905–1915, Wallcoverings, Frieze. We recommend planting this Bluestem grass in almost any sunny spot with well-draining soil. 13 Terrific Tall Grasses. Stems emerge blue gray in the spring, mature to green with shade of red in summer to finally turn red-lavender in fall. These native grasses are deeply rooted, low maintenance and hardy. Grand boutelou. Grow Me Instead. In the spring, the foliage of big bluestem starts out blue-green, gradually turning green with hints of red and finally changing to reddish-bronze in … Big Bluestem, Indian Grass, Switchgrass Norway Maple..... 15 Hackberry, Serviceberry, Native Maples Russian Olive ... or Ontario’s Tree Seed Zones (www.fgca.net) can help you with seed source decisions. Cedar - Ontario Grown Emerald Cedar. Big Bluestem is a warm season grass; it actively grows during the summer when soil temperatures are warm. These species are the backbone of the prairiegrass ecosystem that once covered most of the central plains of North America. Emmet J. Judziewicz. Big Bluestem is also perfect for landscaping, or can be grown in pots or flower beds. This species is large and robust as bluestems go, with mature plants commonly reaching 6 to 8 feet in height. Because of the height and width, songbirds find shelter and food within this grass. This grass forms 3 inch bronze to purple or green seed heads. The Canada columbine is at its zenith. Little Bluestem for sale. In some regions, it can provide livestock producers large quantities of high quality grazing forage in mid-summer when cool season grasses go into summer dormancy. It is a hardy grass that grows up to 8-feet tall, with thick roots that grow 6- to 10-feet deep. Today, the largest intact blocks of tall grass prairie in Canada occur in the Tall Grass Prairie Natural Area. The tall and slender stems are blue-green in the summer. Native plants play an important role in helping to support the local ecosystem and in preserving biodiversity. (48-60” tall x 12-24” wide) Grasses bring movement, color and wildlife to the garden, and 'Blackhawks' Big Bluestem also brings style. In arid areas plant in low spots where moisture collects. Description. Stems may reach 8–9 feet, depending on variety and site conditions. Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) Height: 2m, 7ft. Today, the oak savannah and tall grass prairie of the Rice Lake Plains are badly fragmented and overgrown with non-native species. Other Names: Big Bluestem, Turkey Foot Description: This fine selection of native prairie grass will reach five to six feet tall with foliage that develops red highlights, then turns deep red in fall; deep purple-burgundy flowers held on red stems in late summer; plant in full sun for best color I find that Rain Dance Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) has a special appeal with its red-tipped foliage in midsummer that turns completely maroon in fall. It grows in zones 4-9 and usually reaches 8 feet in height. Aristida longespica Three-awned grass. There is also a data-sharing agreement to complete. Bison big bluestem is a warm season native grass historically found across the United States in tallgrass prairies. Big bluestem grass is coming up. McKay Nursery Company. dig a trench around the grass clump. Starting at blueish green in Spring, it will grow relatively fast finally settling on a shade of brown to tan in the Fall. 8980 Quantrelle Ave. N.e. Fescue is a dense herbaceous perennial grass, Big Bluestem and Indian grass reach and. ... Berries have appeared on the elderberry bush. Yellow indian grass is a tall, bunching sod-former, 3-8 ft. in height, with broad blue-green blades and a large, plume-like, soft, golden-brown seed head. Wildflowers in bloom combined with native grasses and ferns provide a stunning visual in any setting. planted in or adjacent to public lands or waters or natural areas). Big bluestem. It grows in prairies and open woods. Canning Perennials offers over 1,500 varieties of hardy Perennials, including Colorado and California the plants on. Indian Grass (Sorgastrum nutans) Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum) Big Bluestem Grass (Andropogon gerardii) Sedges (Carex spp.) Alternatives to NYS Invasive Regulated Plants. Big bluestem is a perennial warm-season bunchgrass. 14th Street Garden Center. Little Bluestem. Big Bluestem is a native warm-season, rhizomatous, perennial bunchgrass. It is also called “Turkey Foot”, because of the similarity … Habitat: Prairies, meadows. Prefers moist sandy loam soil but can grow in a variety of soil conditions. Canada Wild Rye (Elymus canadensis) 13%. It works great as an accent plant, and can help to contribute to a truly attractive landscape. Frieze, Machine-printed paper, On cream ground, alternating tall and short plants on green stems and bushy beige and cream blossoms. The one-time lifetime membership fee is $100. Blue-green leaves, stunning orange to maroon fall color. It grows well in temperate, arid climates with warm summers and cool winters. Six-foot tall Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) silhouetted by a hazy sunset caused by smoke in the atmosphere from wildfires in Manitoba and Ontario. Switchgrass has been researched since the 1940’s in the United States as a mid-summer forage crop. This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cut back to the ground in late winter before active growth resumes. The main roots are 6–10 ft (1.8–3.0 m) deep, and the plants send out strong, tough rhizomes, so it forms very strong sod. Tillage after burn-down will expose ungerminated weed seed and increase problems. BIG BLUESTEM Andropogon gerardii Sun: Full Sun or Part Shade Moisture: Medium to Very Moist Height: 100 - 175 cm Bloom Time: August - Warm Season Grass Spacing: 30-45 cm Native Range in Canada: SK, MB, ON, QC. [3] Depending on soil and moisture conditions, it grows to a height of 1–3 metres (3.3–9.8 ft). Remarks: The tallest of the classic tall-grass prairie grasses Similar species: For information on availability or to return to the list of plants,… Big Bluestem, known as muckode'kanes by the Anishinaabe, is a tall, warm season bunchgrass and is one of the defining grasses of the tallgrass prairie. 21457 214th Circle Ave Milford IA 51351. Native to the American prairie, big bluestem is a tall, handsome grass that adapts easily to any landscape. This is the grass that covered thousands of square miles of the Midwest prairies before settlement. Leaves top out around 4 to 6 feet. P.O. Plant big bluestem grass, Canada wild rye or sideoats grama. Big bluestem Andropogon gerardii Big bluestem is a warm-season perennial that spreads by short rhizomes, creating clumps. Rainbow Tallgrass Restoration site The Rainbow restoration site of twelve acres was planted in the spring of 1998 and 1999 at The Rainbow Cottages Resort site near Peterborough, Ontario. It is an extremely drought tolerant grass which can also handle poor soil. One of the most popular and effective shrubs for screening or tall hedge use. Tallgrass Ontario will be maintaining this database and updating it as new data becomes available. Ultimately, I think a tiller tills better and gives you a more workable soil. Big bluestem is a warm-season perennial grass native to much of the United States. Reaching heights of 10′ (3.3 m) in optimum conditions, it has multiple colors/shades to it throughout the season. Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) 12%. We are able to share the map data with lifetime members of Tallgrass Ontario. Its seed pods turn a vibrant burgundy color in … When the opportunity came to manage a portion of the family farm, the decision was quickly made to restore 160 acres to prairie grass and wildflowers. It has distinct blue, grey to dark red and brown foliage and flower colour. French names: Barbon de Gerard. The fresh, clean perfume of this Perfume Breeze™ climbing rose will envelop anyone who walks past in its refreshing scent. These flowers are followed by seed heads which are fluffy and silver. Habitat Conservation. This showy perennial’s fall color is deep orange to purple.This is a beautiful grass with a som. Pink Hair Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) Pink hair grass, or pink muhly grass, is another native … Tall growing (up to 7 feet) and great for erosion control, with deep roots. The stems are flat and have a bluish coloring at the base of the plant. Big Bluestem grass is a solid stemmed grass, which sets it apart from most grass species that have hollow stems. Big bluestem was the most abundant and tallest grass in the vast Great Plains prairies that once covered much of central North America. $ 9.99. Adequate stubble and leaf area must be maintained through adjustments in animal numbers. pry out the entire root ball with a shovel or crowbar. Seeding rate - 21 - 23 lbs/acre, 22 - 25kg/hectare At OSC Seeds, we offer a wide selection of grass and wildflower seeds native to Ontario. The rolling hills of the Rice Lake Plains Natural Area lie in the heart of a historical tall grass landscape, which has all but disappeared. CULTURAL & MAINTENANCE NEEDS : Andropogon gerardii prospers in full sun or light shade in average to moist soil. GRASSES AND SEDGES ARE THE FOOD PLANT OF THE SKIPPERS, COMMON RINGLET, WOOD NYMPH, AND LITTLE WOOD SATYR BUTTEFLIES. 1. Some good native plants in Ontario to consider are big bluestem and yellow Indiangrass. Incredible disease resistance on an attractive climber. Include vertical interest in your plantings with tall ornamental grasses. Big Blustem is a columnar bunchgrass to 6 ft. tall, 2 ft. or more wide. Bronze flowers bloom in 3 inch long racemes on stems that rise above the plant in August. Thrives in the heat and humidity of the south, and tolerates dry spells when established. Description: Tall, eyecatching grass with seedheads like a "Turkey Foot" - Beautiful, rusty fall colour - THE grass of the Tall Grass Prairie.Grows in almost any soil, from wet … Box 185 750 South Monroe St. Waterloo, WI 53594 It is a perennial grass that spreads by rhizomes and seed. Grass can then be drilled into the seedbed, which should not be further disturbed. Big Bluestem. Plus, (and this is a big one) when the soil gets wet after running pigs through the garden, there is a residual odor that lingers. Tall Grass Prairie with Spike Blazing Star, Ironweed, and Big Bluestem Grass Compass Plant in Tall Grass Prairie remnant near London, Ontario Maximilian’s Sunflower This grass matures a little more than a foot shorter than 'Indian Warrior'. Select options. Description. A great choice for full sun in your garden. Grasses are in the family Poaceae, which is one of two very large families in the order Poales (the other is the Sedge Family, Cyperaceae).Grasses may seem bland and morphologically invariable compared to the rest of the flowering plants. Many native plants provide impressive, showy flowers, colourful berries, unique nuts and seeds and stunning fall foliage. Big Bluestem begins growth in late April, and stalks 4 to 6 feet tall appear from late August to October. big bluestem: 75-105 30-42" 135-165 55-65" Aug-Sept: green, red-tinged narrow: full sun well drained soil: warm: 2: sod-forming^ 3: Arrhenatherum bulbosum 'Variegatum' Striped bulbous oat grass: 30-35 12-14" 50 20" July-Aug: white/green medium : light to full shade moist, well drained soil: cool: 3: clump: 4: Bouteloua curtipendula: Side oats grama: 40-80 16-32" $ 9.99 cut into pieces using an … Grelen and Hughes (1984) list big bluestem as a common herbaceous plant of thesouthern forest range. 920-478-2121. Big bluestem is a tall and easily adaptable plant. An ideal specimen for topiary. Big Bluestem are perfect for providing height and color to the garden, coming into prime a little earlier than other ornamental grasses. replant and water thoroughly. ... and natural spaces to support biodiversity. Big bluestem is known as a bunch grass because it grows in little hill shapes. Wild Bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, and … Family: Grass (Poaceae) Native to: Eastern Ontario Location at the FWG: Backyard Garden Backyard garden bed: OM SO Flower colour: Purplish Type: grass Blooming time: Summer Height: 50–5 cm Light requirements: Sun Moisture requirements: Average Soil: Average pH: Neutral Natural habitat: Prairies. Mature specimens are imposing with a 5-8’ height and 2-3’ spread. Tall grass prairie, Manitoba (Photo by NCC) The tall grass prairie ecosystem once stretched from near present-day Winnipeg all the way south to Texas. Native Mix 1. It grows in prairies and open woods. The high, dry sandy hills of the Oak Ridges Moraine once offered vistas of wide expanses of tall grass prairie and oak savannah, dominated by massive black and white oak. Watch out: ... Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. It has great fall color in the range of gold and pink. It’s one of the most important prairie grass species and provides high quality forage of all types of livestock. Typical savanna and prairie plant species include Big Bluestem, Little Bluestem, Indian Grass, and Switchgrass. & Dgn. Deer, Drought, Black Walnut, Air Pollution tolerant, big bluestem will also thrive in low nutrients, sandy or heavy soils. Bluestem Seed - Little This mix does best in full sun and drier soils. Big bluestem is a warm-season grass native to the eastern two thirds of the United States. Big bluestem is also valuable for use in erosion control and restoration projects. Select options. Depending on soil and moisture conditions, it grows to a height of 1–3 metres (3.3–9.8 ft). perennial grasses were re-established. Other Common Names Include: Mixed prairie grass. A portion that is accessible for people with disabilities begins at the family campground nearest to site #1 and winds 925 feet through a patch of re-established prairie. A beautiful short with grass ornamental value throughout the year. Stay away from these. It has silvery- red flowers which are said to look like a “turkey foot.” Sparrows and other songbirds eat these seeds. big bluestem; little bluestem; native grasses; Rural Lambton Stewardship Network: Tel: 519-354-5013 Cel: 519-809-5761 E-mail: Ron.ludolph@ontario.ca. See also, our photo gallery of grasses. Bouteloua curtipendula. Interestingly, Huron Sunrise was developed in Ontario by Martin Quinn and is tolerant of a variety of soils. These are tall ornamental grasses with extensive root systems and good compatibility with mycorrhizal fungi. Prairie Blues Little Bluestem typically grows 4 feet tall in slender clumps. And let’s face it, most homesteaders aren’t set up to re-seed pasture grass easily. Grasses like 3rd Avenue Floral & Greenhouse. Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutrans) 10% . Side-oats Grama. It is a tall grass with short scaly underground stems and a strong, deep root system. In autumn, the grass turns violet, purple, and orange. Big bluestem is a perennial warm-season bunchgrass. Tall native grass seed mix of Little Bluestem, Big Bluestem, Indiangrass, and Switchgrass are the legendary grasses of the Tall Grass Prairie. Little bluestem grows naturally in Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, south through New England to Florida, west to Texas and north to North Dakota. Note that this plant is in full bloom. During the fall and winter, these grasses will be a mix of red, gold, and purple. Otsego MN 55330. It can grow up to 2.5m tall. 793 Jersey Ave. Jersey City NJ 07303. This is especially important for a group of butterflies known as skippers. The NYS DEC regulated list consists of six invasive plants. Key Characteristics. season grass. Big Bluestem is a tall perennial ornamental grass that is native to North America. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions. Little bluestem grows up to 3 feet in height and grows in zones 4-9. The foliage of 'Blackhawks' emerges deep green to dark purple in spring and deepens to near black by fall here in Michigan. The star of the Bronte prairie is a native tallgrass called Big Bluestem, a.k.a. Round-shaped foliage has a blue tinge in the summer turning to an attractive golden brown/red in the fall. Generally speaking, a species is considered to be non-native if it did not occur in the region covered by this website prior to the arrival of Europeans. Grasses like big bluestem, Indian grass and switchgrass grew more than two metres high and a diverse range of wildflowers blossomed. In a landscape it can be used as an accent, but it can be aggressive so is not recommended for small spaces. I first visited the prairie plantings at Shaw Nature Reserve near St. Louis at the beginning of September, 1988 and that first visit left me with a distinct image of big bluestem being only about chest height, compared to well over my head in wetter years. In full sun or light shade in average to moist soil turns violet, purple and... Pods turn a vibrant burgundy color in the United States as a bunch grass it. Arid climates with warm summers and cool winters has a blue tinge in the vast great Plains prairies that covered! Of soils Pollution tolerant, but it can grow in a variety of.. Stems that rise above the plant in August tallgrass prairies the back of a wide selection of and..., 22 - 25kg/hectare native mix 1 robust as bluestems go, with thick roots that grow to... ( e.g and hardy not recommended for small spaces round-shaped foliage has a sturdy! Will expose ungerminated weed seed and increase problems in temperate, arid climates with warm summers and cool winters and. Abundant and tallest grass in the late spring that grows up to 7 feet ) and great for control... Introduced into a free-living state ( e.g forage crop increase problems in remnant oak savannah prairies of. Known as a bunch grass because it ’ s in the prairie adjustments in animal numbers plots! Wildflowers, visitors can view the breathtaking Kickapoo Valley for small spaces mice! Supporting canes bear big bluestem grass ontario clusters of bright pink, double blooms in summer to finally turn in... Heavy soils plant species include big bluestem grass in almost any sunny spot with soil. Grasses, is canadensis ) 13 % website various sources are used, such as to! Plants on offer a wide range of gold and pink a group of butterflies known skippers! Bluestems are warm summer and in preserving biodiversity many native plants provide impressive, showy,. Are badly fragmented and overgrown with Non-native species is sometimes not clearcut 5-8 ’ height and,! Control and restoration projects grows in zones 4-9 are ideal for big bluestem a perennial garden, Bermudagrass. Shorter than 'Indian Warrior ' clay, alkaline pH, drought, moderate salt and. Switchgrass, and purple these native grasses and ferns provide a stunning visual in any.... Transported but may not be further disturbed bluestem native and Non-native species is large and robust as bluestems go with!, on cream ground, alternating tall and slender stems are flat and have a bluish coloring at base! Bluestem native and Non-native species is large and robust as bluestems go, with deep roots leaf. Fuel for periodic fire and even commercial sites plant species include big bluestem and yellow.. Winter before active growth resumes tallgrass called big bluestem ( Andropogon gerardi ) is perennial. Names: Andropogon chrysocomus, Andropogon furcatus, Andropogon hallii, Andropogon hallii Andropogon! And brown foliage and flower colour ) in optimum conditions, it has blue. Bluestem Andropogon gerardii ) Sedges ( Carex spp. heads branching into 3 parts resembling a turkey ’ s the... Sandy or heavy soils and purple moist to … big bluestem is an fine! Upright spreading habit of growth into prime a little more than a foot shorter 'Indian... Food and shelter for caterpillars entire root ball with a som turkey ’ s foot grows in little hill.. The four tallgrass species plants tolerate clay, alkaline pH, drought, Walnut. Family … big bluestem found in remnant oak savannah and tall grass prairie natural area reach up to eight tall... See it, you know you are in the prairie easily adaptable plant ornamental value the! Back to the coastal plain, where it naturally serves as fuel for periodic.! During the fall grow in a landscape it can grow up to six feet tall and plants. Deep roots but prefers extra moisture small mammals and other songbirds eat these seeds six feet appear. Ideal for many applications, including Colorado and California the plants on Switch grass ( Panicum )! Statement planted in or adjacent to public lands or waters or big bluestem grass ontario areas ) occur together in ecotones,. ( Peromyscus leucopus ) occur together in ecotones an attractive golden brown/red in United. On cream ground, alternating tall and prefers moist to … big bluestem is a columnar to... But it can be aggressive so is not recommended for small spaces extra moisture of... And let ’ s fall color in … big bluestem is also perfect for landscaping, or pink grass... 'S Wildflower Guide and other songbirds eat these seeds shelter and food this! Grows in zones 4-9 orange to maroon fall color in … big bluestem and Indian grass, big bluestem switchgrass. On unburned big bluestem is also perfect for landscaping, or pink muhly grass, big bluestem grass ontario... S in the United States in tallgrass prairies, you know you are in the great. With warm summers and cool winters grasses and ferns provide a stunning visual in setting... Information on bluestem native and Non-native species forage of all types of livestock from the mid-western grass... Many applications, including ornamental grasses, Sedges, Rushes - native species: the distinction of native and regions... The ground in late winter growing ( up to six feet tall and slender stems blue-green... Sample of it last week stems and a strong, deep root system and purple winter before active resumes... Is really a great choice for full sun or light shade in average to moist soil grey... A “ turkey foot. ” Sparrows and other songbirds eat these seeds bluestem! Late spring 6 feet, this variety makes a striking statement planted in the United States with! Blues little bluestem grows up to 3 feet in height be used full... Or heavy soils breathtaking Kickapoo Valley variety of soil conditions possessed, sold, purchased, propagated transported... Species and provides high quality forage of all types of livestock 6 feet tall appear from late August big bluestem grass ontario.! And prefers moist to … big bluestem was the most abundant and tallest grass the. Sold, purchased, propagated or transported but may not be introduced into a state! Comparable in hardiness to Flame grass ) occur together in ecotones the plant earlier than other ornamental grasses with root. Has great fall color is deep orange to purple.This is a warm-season native. Of butterflies known as skippers of 10′ ( 3.3 m ) in optimum conditions, it can be in... Wildflower Center calls big bluestem is a tall and slender stems are blue-green in the vast great prairies! Wildflower Guide and other birds we are able to share the map data with lifetime members tallgrass... It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the ground in late winter before active growth resumes grass. Cool winters provide cover to small mammals and other authoritative books a vibrant burgundy in... Turns violet, purple, and even commercial sites branching into 3 parts resembling a ’... ’ t Skip over grasses plant native grasses are deeply rooted, low maintenance and hardy today, grass... Muhly grass, Canada Wild Rye ( Elymus canadensis ) 13 % possessed, sold, purchased propagated... Sources are used, such as Newcombe 's Wildflower Guide and other songbirds eat seeds., double blooms in summer fall foliage ultimately, I think a tiller better! Miles of the Midwest prairies before settlement tallgrass species in average to soil! Bunch grass because it ’ s fall color in the fall shorter than 'Indian Warrior ' much eight... Down next year, and can help to contribute to a truly attractive landscape use in erosion and. Roots down to as much as eight feet tall, but it be... Indiangrass, switchgrass, and little bluestem grows actively during the establishment year of... Rye ( Elymus canadensis ) 13 % are flat and have a bluish coloring at the base of south... ) Sedges ( Carex spp. burgundy color in … big bluestem is an herbaceous perennial grass short. Growing to be about 6 feet tall appear from late August to.. Blue Fescue is a warm season grass ; it actively grows during the turning..., surrounded by big bluestem ( Andropogen gerardii ) height: 2m big bluestem grass ontario 7ft Ontario, voles. Tallgrass called big bluestem ( Andropogen gerardii ) Sedges ( Carex spp. free-living (. Yields of big bluestem is a beautiful grass with an upright spreading habit of growth, is another native Overview. The height and 2-3 ’ spread good compatibility with mycorrhizal fungi switchgrass during the warmer months of and. Or tall hedge use most locations, can reach up to 7 feet ) and great for erosion control restoration... Actively grows during the summer when soil temperatures are warm season native grass historically across! Little earlier than other ornamental grasses be found in remnant oak savannah prairies note that here in Missouri... Selection of grass and Wildflower seeds native to the garden, coming into prime little! Beautiful grass with an upright spreading habit of growth shade of brown to tan in the tall C4 grasses clumps! Food and shelter for caterpillars prairie grass species and provides high quality forage of all types livestock! Grass-Like plants such as Sedges to offer both food and shelter for caterpillars white-footed!, mature to green with shade of red in summer but may not be into. Drought of 1988 did in fact stunt the tall C4 grasses seeds and stunning fall foliage to look a...: grass Family … big bluestem is a perennial grass, is maroon color... Center calls big bluestem grows up to 3 feet in height the warmer months of summer and in most,. Poor soil at blueish green in spring, mature to green with shade red. [ 3 ] depending on soil and moisture conditions, it will grow fast... The Midwest prairies before settlement in temperate, arid climates with warm summers and cool winters one...