Dillon P. Golding^1,2, Francis A. Reith^1,3, and Jonathan O. C. Kubesch^1,3 

1. Virginia Tech School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Blacksburg, VA 

2. Hoot Owl Hollow Farm, Woodlawn, VA 

3. Country Home Farms, Pembroke, VA 

Editor’s Note: The imperial data in this article applies to Virginia, but similar results can be expected in Kentucky. 

Native grasslands in the Midsouth previously existed in a mosaic of plant communities across moisture and fertility regimes (Noss, 2013; Campbell, 2012). These grasslands persisted through a variety of edaphic, moisture, fire, herbivory, and human dynamics. The arrival of Europeans brought land use change, the removal of elk (Cervus canadensis) and bison (Bison bison) herds, and the arrival of cattle. These shifts in the fundamental drivers of these grassland ecosystems led to shifts in many native grasslands. While many native plants disappeared from the landscape, some persisted in modern plant communities. 

Some of the native species that make up remaining grasslands persist despite the deleterious effects of early European settlement. These species survive because of their anatomy, management, or ecological strategy. For instance, species with lower-positioned meristems can regrow more effectively following overgrazing than species with higher-positioned meristems. Given that most pastures are managed at shorter heights than most traditional grasslands, these low-growing native grasses can persist within modern grazed ecosystems.  

Similarly, native grasslands only used seasonally are more likely to persist following a grazing event than grasslands subject to year-round grazing (Figure 1). These grasses display either competitor or ruderal ecological strategies where they can handle the disturbance inherent to cattle grazing as well as the limited resources in herbaceous plant communities. Some especially persistent competitor or ruderal species might even disperse to other pastures from native grasslands.  

Two of these species include splitbeard bluestem (Andropogon ternarius) and little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium). In Virginia, both species have a coefficient of conservation of 5, which suggests moderate conservative ecological behavior (DeBerry et al., 2020). These species are thus more so competitor species than ruderal ones. These species are seen on drier soils with acidic to average soil fertility throughout the Upper South (Campbell, 2012). Their meristems are closer to the soil level than species like big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) or Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), which allows them to survive intense grazing events. Cattle are known to graze these grasses (Leithead et al., 1971).  

Give the gift of a KNPS membership!

It’s that time of year, and if you’re looking for a special gift for someone who has everything and says, “I don’t need anything,” consider a KNPS membership or swag. Your gift is sure to be a big hit because it supports the KNPS mission:

The purpose of this organization shall be to serve as a medium of fellowship and information exchange among botanists, both amateur and professional, to promote conservation of native plants and natural plant communities of Kentucky; to promote public education in botanical science; and to encourage botanical research in Kentucky.

Membership is open to everyone. Anyone who appreciates native plants and understands the importance of preserving our natural heritage is welcome! You can even purchase a gift membership for an active member — we’ll simply extend their active membership.

Some members have lifetime memberships so for those folks, consider a donation in their name.

KNPS depends entirely on volunteers and the contributions of members and friends to accomplish our goals. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.