Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Wednesday - December 12, 2007
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Getting rid of King Ranch bluestem (Bothriochloa ischaemum)
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I ranch approximately 1500 acres of land seven miles southeast of Marble Falls , Texas . At present, the land is inundated with King Ranch Bluestem; which as you know, kills by smothering all other natural range grasses. The cattle will not eat it unless they are starving to death. Do you have any suggestions as to how I might get rid of the the King Ranch Bluestem and save my good grasses? Any information you have will be greatly appreciated.ANSWER:
Well, Mr. Smarty Plants has some bad news and some good news. The bad news, of course, is that it isn't going to be easy getting rid of KR bluestem. The good news is that we have a timely answer for you since we had a similar question less than a month ago about eliminating this pest, albeit on a smaller scale. However, large-scale or small-scale, the strategy is the same.More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
Possibility of replacing Bermudagrass with native grasses and wildflowers
November 24, 2008 - Are there any native grasses and wildflowers that can compete with bermuda grass to make a nativ-y wild area without removing the bermuda?
view the full question and answer
Identification of native wild grass in Austin
February 01, 2009 - I had some landscaping done in my yard in Austin. My aim was minimal care so I requested native Texas plants. I am plant illiterate and just now looking in the City of Austin "grow green guide" to...
view the full question and answer
Tree without extensive root system in Ozark, AL
April 10, 2009 - I would like to plant a tree (in full sun next to a brick house wall) that doesn't have an extensive root system. I have concerns about the roots and the water/septic lines, as well as the concrete h...
view the full question and answer
Plants for slopes in South Texas
October 05, 2009 - Can you provide a list of plants for use on slopes in S. Texas?
view the full question and answer
Overseeding sprig planting of native grass in Kansas
September 12, 2009 - Can I overseed a Sprig planting of native grass in Kansas in the Fall?
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
