Practical information to identify and manage non-native, invasive plants
The Quiet Invasion:A Guide to Invasive Plants of the Galveston Bay Area
Dichanthium annulatum; Dichanthium aristatum; Bothriochloa ischaemum var. songarica
| USDA Symbol: | DIAN; DIAR5; BOISS |
| ITIS TSN: | 41679; 41680; 526948 |
| Presence: | Current Invaders |
| Habitat: | Terrestrial |
| Native Range: | Asia |
Toxic Characteristics
These species are not known to be toxic.Geographic Distribution
Angleton and Kleberg's bluestem are only found in Texas and Louisiana, while yellow bluestem is more widespread across the southern and western states.Introduction Pathways
Kleberg bluestem (also known as King Ranch bluestem) was first introduced to the King Ranch in Texas as a forage; Angleton and yellow bluestem were introduced as improved cultivars in the 1980s and 1990s.Specific Primary Habitats
Thrive under grazing conditions and require full sunlight. Have low tolerance to acidic soils and high tolerance to drought and cold.Identifying Characteristics
All grow as a bunchgrasses, with culms ranging from 8-40 inches in height. Leaf sheaths are 1.25 to 1.5 inches long, generally hairless, and leaf blades are 1.25 to 12 inches long and narrow in width. The inflorescence is comprised of a central stem with 2-15 racemes (flower branches) bearing numerous pairs of spikelets (flowers) along the central axis of the racemes. These grasses are characterized by a high density of reproductive shoots.Reproduction Characteristics
All these grasses are prolific seed producers. They begin flowering in the spring, and seed in the summer. Seeds are readily transported by wind.Growth Characteristics
All of these bluestems are fast springtime growers and mature quickly.Ecological, Economic, or Social Impact
These grasses, when escaped from cultivation in pasture, can invade and outcompete native grasses in bluestem coastal prairie communities.Suggested Control Methods
If the plant is less than two meters tall, hand pulling may be possible. Use a foliar or cut-culm treatment of 1.5% or 27 - 40% glyphosate, respectively.|
Native Species Alternatives
Below is a list of alternative plants that are native to the area:
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Lists
This species belongs to the following lists:
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Images
To view a larger version of an image, click on the thumbnail. Reseeded cropland with King Ranch bluestem. Photo courtesy of www.tarleton.edu (picture 65). |
 Dense stand of the King Ranch bluestem. Photo courtesy of www.tarleton.edu (Picture 66). |
 Inflorescence of the King Ranch bluestem. Photo courtesy of www.tarleton.edu (Picture 75). |
 Dense stand of Photo courtesy of yellow bluestem. Photo courtesy of www.tarleton.edu |
 Texas rangeland reseeded with King Ranch bluestem. Photo courtesy of www.tarleton.edu (Picture 64). |