{"id":2321,"date":"2021-05-18T17:59:12","date_gmt":"2021-05-18T17:59:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/herofortheplanet.org\/longleaf\/?page_id=2321"},"modified":"2021-09-03T12:03:53","modified_gmt":"2021-09-03T12:03:53","slug":"splitbeard-bluestem","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/herofortheplanet.org\/longleaf\/explore\/longleaf-habitats\/montane\/splitbeard-bluestem\/","title":{"rendered":"Splitbeard Bluestem"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\t
Longleaf Species – Montane<\/a><\/h5>\n

Splitbeard Bluestem<\/h2>\n\t

Splitbeard Bluestem<\/h3>\n\n

Status:<\/strong> Secure<\/p>\n

The Splitbeard Bluestem<\/strong> is a warm season, ornamental (used for decoration), perennial bunchgrass. The stems are often a purple to reddish green color while the seed head has a silvery white appearance. These bluestems start to grow in the springtime around April and continue growing in the summer. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"splitbeard_bluestem\"\n\t\t\t\t\"longleaf\n\t

Habitat & Range<\/h3>\n

Splitbeard bluestem plants are found in the Southeastern regions in states like Delaware, Kentucky, Kansas, Texas, and Florida. They prefer areas with well-drained sandy soils such as open woodlands, meadows, and savannas. These bluestems require full sunlight but can still survive with a little shade.<\/p>\n

Food Web & Energy Flow<\/h3>\n

Like most plants, the Splitbeard Bluestem gets its energy from the sun through photosynthesis, making it a primary producer. In order for these plants to survive they require soil, water, and a lot of sunlight. <\/p>\n\t

Relationship to Fire<\/h3>\n

Splitbeard bluestem plants are considered highly flammable plants and grow in large bunches on the forest floors. When fires take place, the bluestems can cause the fires to burn out faster since they are on the forest floor. They depend on fires for reproduction, usually after a fire they are able to produce seeds.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Prescribed_Burning-post2\"\n\t

Conservation Status<\/h3>\n

Splitbeard bluestems are found in various places in North America. On the map, it shows how the Splitbeard bluestem is under different levels of pressure in different states, but overall they are considered Secure.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"State\n\t\tState Level Conservation Status – NatureServe\n\t

Human Impacts\/ Threats<\/strong>
\n<\/b><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\"development\"\n\t\t
Land Use Conversion<\/h5>\t\t\n\t\t\t

Longleaf forests and the habitat it supports is being cleared or converted<\/em> to use the land for other uses like houses, roads, agriculture, and even to grow different types of trees to sell.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"smokeybear\"\n\t\t

Fire Suppression<\/h5>\t\t\n\t\t\t

Many people think of fires in the forest as bad, so they work hard to prevent or suppress<\/em> them. But longleaf forests NEED regular fire to support habitat for the species that live there!<\/p>\n\t

Resources<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\t\t

Hero Journal<\/h3>\t\t\n\t\t\t\n