I am using these images as references for my prairie restoration project. It is taking forever. The following information is taken from http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/big_bluestem_grass.htm. Big bluestem is tolerant of a wide range of soils and moisture. Depending on soil and moisture conditions, it grows to a height of 3 – 10 ft. Big Bluestem is a perennial grass. The stem base turns to a blue-purple as it matures. The seed heads have three spike-like projections, resulting in another common name for big bluestem — "turkey foot." The roots are deep, and the plants send out strong, tough rhizomes, so it forms very strong sod. Big bluestem is also called tallgrass or simply called prairie tall grass.
Smooth brome was introduced to America from Eurasia in the 1880s. It is described as invasive, but is useful because it is highly nutritious and palatable to livestock. Also used for wildlife cover and to prevent soil erosion, it is a beautiful grass that sways gracefully in the fierce, hot, dry Kansas wind.
A new series. Grasses of my land. This will be an education in identification for me. I believe this is Eastern gama grass. It had delicate reddish-orange blooms earlier this summer.
Two Eye Workshop 