How To Order: Quantity options listed represent bulk weights. Examples: 1 = 1 lbs, 25 = 25 bs.
 
 
Common Name: Sherman Big Bluegrass
Scientific Name: Poa secunda
Native / Introduced: Native
Main Uses:
~Pasture and Rangeland
~Watershed
~Wildlife Habitat Improvement
Height: 2-3 feet
Root Type: Bunchgrass
Growing Season: Cool
Soil Types: Most but best on deep Loamy textures
Tolerances: Fair alkaline and acidic soils
Sun or Shade: Full Sunlight
Minimum Precipitation: 9-10 inches
Lifecycle: Perennial
Planting Seed Rate: 3-6 lbs/ac
Estimated Seeds Per Pound: 880,000
Optimal Planting Season: Fall/Spring
Planting Depth: 1/4 - 1/2 inch
 
Description
Sherman Big Bluegrass is a long-lived, tall, drought-tolerant, cool-season bunchgrass, and it is one of the most robust species of the sandberg bluegrass complex. It is highly adaptable to a wide range of soil textures, but it thrives best on deep loamy textures. It has a fair tolerance to both alkaline and acidic soils, and it exhibits excellent cold tolerance. The grass produces very palatable forage that greens up two to three weeks before Crested Wheatgrass. It also shows moderate grazing and shade tolerance, making it a valuable species for pasture, rangeland, watershed, and wildlife habitat improvement. Additionally, Sherman Big Bluegrass is widely used in disturbed land restoration. The minimum precipitation required for its growth is 9-10 inches, and it is typically planted in the fall or spring.

As a tall and long-lived grass, Sherman Big Bluegrass provides ample forage for grazing animals. Its palatable forage makes it an important species for range improvement, and it is also valuable for watershed management. The grass is highly adaptable and can be used for disturbed land restoration projects. Due to its drought-tolerance and cold tolerance, it can survive and thrive in harsh environments. Sherman Big Bluegrass is also important for wildlife habitat improvement, as it provides both food and cover for many species.
 
Resources
NRCS Plant Profile: https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=POSE
NRCS Plant Guide: https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_pose.pdf
Additional Resources: https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/factsheet/pdf/fs_pose.pdf
 
Photo Credit: Jim Morefield