The most common and widespread of the tallgrasses is the big bluestem. It dominates much of the tallgrass prairie, and also grows in smaller amounts in the drier mid-grass prairie. Growth begins in late April, with maximum growth during the hot days of mid-summer. By August, flowering stems often stand 8 feet tall. The tiny wind-pollinated flowers appear on short, three pronged branches that look like a turkey's foot.

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Explore More: Working Landscapes
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