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Which grasses dominate tallgrass prairie?
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Grassland
A prairie grassland in Buffalo Gap National Grassland, South Dakota, U.S.
Tallgrass prairie, also known as true prairie, is primarily dominated by several key species of perennial grasses. The most characteristic species is big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), which can grow to heights exceeding 2 metres.123
Other significant grasses that dominate or are major constituents of the tallgrass prairie include:
- Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans): A tall, sod-forming perennial grass that is well-adapted to fire.4
- Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium): Often found in drier areas of the prairie.23
- Prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata): Frequently found in the wet lowlands of the tallgrass region.1
- Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis): A bunchgrass typically found on drier upland sites.1
- Needlegrass (or porcupine grass, Stipa): Another bunchgrass common to drier upland areas.1