bluestem

[ bloo-stem ]

noun

1. any of several prairie grasses of the genus Andropogon, having bluish leaf sheaths, now grown in the western U.S. for forage.
2. dwarf palmetto.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bluestem¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55; blue + stem ¹

Example Sentences

Instead of a monoculture, Bermudagrass now blends in with native grasses like fescue, bluestem and Kentucky bluegrass.

From Popular-Science

The uppermost station was situated in bluestem pasture without benefit of shade from trees.

From Project Gutenberg

Nests are placed on the ground, usually in bluestem pasture, but in any case grasses.

From Project Gutenberg

The study area includes the zone of transition from bluestem or tall-grass prairie to the buffalo grass or short-grass prairie.

From Project Gutenberg

Of young trees there were most on the bluestem prairie area, less on the former pastures and least on the fallow fields.

From Project Gutenberg

Evidently the tree does not become established readily on bluestem prairie.

From Project Gutenberg