Planting Natives to Restore Texas Grassland
CJ Brinlee, Soil Conservationist Student Trainee; Randy Moore, Wildlife Biologist, USDA-NRCS

 Native prairies are a swiftly declining habitat that once were the climax vegetation for the Blackland Prairie, Rolling Plains, Edwards Plateau, and much of the East and West Cross Timbers areas.  20 million acres of Texas were at one time covered in tall and medium grass prairies that were burned regularly by wildfire, and grazed by nomadic herds of bison.  Today less than 1% of those remain.  This means the loss of almost 250 forbs and over 30 grass species as well as hundreds of wildlife that are dependent on grasslands to survive. 

Inevitably it was the development brought about by human disturbance that destroyed the native habitat of Texas and North America.  Early European farming increased soil loss by plowing over erodible soils and introduced weedy species began to invade.  Fencing of the rangeland increased the tendency to overgraze which damaged native stands beyond their ability to revitalize, and when this combined with severe soil erosion the introduced species and woody invaders began to replace the prairie.  Now development on agricultural lands also endangers a dying habitat.

The benefits of restoring and maintaining the native prairie are many.  Ecologically, the prairie is an important resource for all species of native wildlife, especially grassland birds, many of which are disappearing as rapidly as their natural habitat.  Native grasslands can even work to clean the air, studies show that tallgrass prairies like those that once covered Fannin County can convert carbon dioxide to oxygen on a level comparable to tropical rainforests.  Many grasses of the native prairie can even contribute greatly to biofuel production and help to cut down on our dependence on fossil fuels.  Native prairies are also a beautiful natural resource, blooming with flowers throughout spring and summer.   

For livestock producers some considerations to take into account when considering a native prairie include the higher nutritive quality of native grasses and forbs than many introduced and invading species.  Native grasses are uniquely adapted to the harsh climate of Texas; they are used to long periods of drought, occasional floods, and extreme heat.  Therefore, stands of native grasses require no fertilizer or weed control once they’ve been established.  In the long run, a pasture of natives is less expensive to maintain than a monoculture of introduced species.  Furthermore, native prairies are a mixture of warm and cool season grasses and forbs which have the ability to provide healthy forage for livestock all year long. 

However, native prairie is management intensive.  Rotational grazing is suggested over continuous grazing, operated under a standard of “take half, leave half”.  Prescribed burns may need to be used to reduce weedy species and revitalize the native plant community.  It also takes longer to establish a stand of natives, usually between 2-3 years and if conditions are bad, sometimes 3-5.  There is research and new technology being studied however, to improve the establishment of natives in a one-year period.

Planting a native prairie stand is crucial in restoring a severely declining natural habitat.  It provides a vital habitat to native wildlife dependent on the grasslands, and boosts carbon dioxide conversion to help clean the air.  Native grasses are used in biofuel production, and provide sustainable and cost effective year-round forage for livestock if managed properly.  Planting a native prairie not only helps restore our native habitat and help our environment, it can also be productive and profitable for producers.  For more information on planting natives, please contact the USDA-NRCS office located at 200 E First Street, Rm 14, Bonham, TX or call 903-583-9513 x3.   You may also email us at: randy.moore@tx.usda.gov.

Little Bluestem was once the most abundant grass found on Texas prairies.  It grows from 2 to 3 feet tall and blooms from July to October.  To establish Little Bluestem hydroseed, broadcast, or drill the seed into the soil with a drill made for light fluffy seed.  Weed control is essential when establishing this grass.  Big Bluestem is similar to Little Bluestem except that it grows 5 to 7 feet tall.  It blooms from August to October and often stays erect until spring.  Seeding is similar to Little Bluestem, although the seeds can be de-bearded for easier drilling.  Both bluestems are tolerant of partial shade. 

Sideoats grama is a hardy, rapidly growing grass that is also the state grass of Texas. It will grow 2 feet tall and blooms from July to September.  Seeding is the same, and for establishment it requires nitrogen fertilizer for increased seed production.  Sideoats grama is drought tolerant and requires full sun, but it will not provide cover until its second year.

A popular grass recently, and making an appearance in biofuel production, is Switchgrass.  This grass will grow 4 to 6 feet tall and blooms from July to September.  Seeding is the same, and the soil should be packed before and after planting.  It will take Switchgrass 1-2 years to establish, and once established it requires little maintenance.  Switchgrass will tolerate wet soils and needs full sun to grow.

Indiangrass is a very decorative grass that will grow up to 6 feet tall.  It blooms from August to October and turns a reddish yellow color in winter.  To seed Indiangrass, broadcast or drill into the soil with a drill designed for light, fluffy seed.  It produces heavily from July to September.

Finally, Maximilian sunflower is a native perennial forb and can grow anywhere from 3-9 feet.  It blooms in the late summer and fall and provides seed for birds and forage for deer and livestock.  It does best when annual rainfall is around 18 inches, and should always be planted in a mix with other natives.  Another warm season forb is Engelmann daisy.  It blooms from April to June and only gets about 2 feet tall but it is a high protein plant that is good for deer and livestock.  It should be planted like Indiangrass and may take 2 seasons to establish.