Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Monday - September 03, 2012
From: Dale, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Yard grass that cows like to eat in Dale, TX
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I need to know of a good grass seed to plant in the yard that will also be eaten by our cows. Prefer one that doesn't have any type of stickers/cocker burrs.ANSWER:
The very best grass I can recommend that will serve as a turf grass and feed for cattle is Bouteloua dactyloides (Buffalograss) [synonym=Buchloe dactyloides]. It grows to a maximum of 12 inches if it isn't mowed and, as a turf grass, requires mowing only a couple of times a year. If your cows are going to be eating it, it won't ever require mowing. Additionally, it is very drought tolerant. We have a How-to Article, Native Lawns: Buffalograss, that gives you information on how to establish buffalograss as a lawn. Native American Seeds in Junction (one of our Associates) has a seed mix, Native Sun Turfgrass, that includes 80% buffalograss and 20% Bouteloua gracilis (Blue grama), another short grass (3 to 6 inches) or you can buy buffalograss alone. Both buffalograss and blue grama are highly nutritious and recommended for cattle feed. Here is more information about buffalograss and blue grama from the USDA.
There are several taller native grasses that are also recommended for cattle. Here is an article from the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Native Plants for Your Farm, that lists several species that are recommended for pastures. These all are found in or adjacent to Caldwell County and none of them have stickers or burrs.
Andropogon gerardii (Big bluestem) grows 4 to 8 feet.
Elymus canadensis (Canada wild rye) reaches 2 to 4 feet.
Elymus virginicus (Virginia wildrye) reaches 2 to 4 feet.
Tripsacum dactyloides (Eastern gamagrass) grows 2 to 10 feet.
Sorghastrum nutans (Indiangrass) grows 3 to 8 feet.
Schizachyrium scoparium (Little bluestem) reaches 3 feet.
Bouteloua curtipendula (Sideoats grama) grows 2 to 3 feet.
You might consider using a combination of some or all of these grasses for your pasture/yard.
From the Image Gallery
More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
Native Plants for Galveston
February 12, 2012 - I'm looking for low maintenance, drought tolerant plants for Galveston, on the bay side, in a well drained area with morning sun. I was thinking of Phlox, Muhly grass, Lantana.....and I am looking f...
view the full question and answer
Retention pond from Hendersonville NC
April 24, 2012 - We have a retention pond that has recently been cleaned and we would like to plant perennial native plant and grass seeds that will enhance the appearance and contribute to the natural process of filt...
view the full question and answer
Need landscape suggestions for area exposed after last flood on Black Creek in Forrest County. MS
September 18, 2009 - We live on the Black Creek in Mississippi. After the last flood, we now have a steep sandy slope which is unmowable, and incredibly weedy. We want to remove the unsightly weeds- kill if necessary, and...
view the full question and answer
Drought affecting non-native Zoysia grass in Austin
November 06, 2011 - Due to the extreme drought here in Austin this year and the watering restrictions our Zoysia lawn has suffered and appears to be dead in many areas of our lawn. Will it come back? Is there anything w...
view the full question and answer
Plants for seeping hillside and muddy bottom area
October 28, 2009 - We live on the north side of Lake Travis. About half acre of our property is currently planted with natives. The other half consists of a huge limestone ledge, a steep slope with little soil that seep...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |