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Prairie Wedge Grass

Sphenopholis obtusata

Easily overlooked species except when it has a seed head; palatable to horses, cattle & other livestock

$3.00$15.00

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Description

Sphenopholis obtusata, also known as Prairie Wedge Grass or Prairie Wedge Scale, is a native perennial cool season bunch grass that grows 24″-36″ tall. It prefers full to partial sun, mesic conditions, and soil containing loam, clay-loam, or some rocky material. Most growth and development occur during the spring and early summer. This plant nicely fills in the gaps left between other native grasses and wildflowers.

 

Forage notes

The foliage is palatable to horses, cattle, and other livestock and is a great choice for a native cool season grass. It can provide stockpile forage for cattle during the fall, winter, and spring.

 

Wildlife notes

Sphenopholis obtusata is a host plant for the White-Lined Sphinx Moth. Not much is known about other faunal connections to this plant.

 

Landscaping notes

 

Restoration notes

Habitats include mesic prairies, thinly wooded bluffs, open rocky woodlands, and pastures. This species establishes well in recently disturbed areas, which can make it a good competitor in areas with invasive species.

This plant is commonly included in the following mixes:

Companion Grass Mix – Dry, Companion Grass Mix – Mesic, Companion Grass Mix – Wet, Native Cool Season Overseeding Mix 

Videos About This Plant
To learn more about this plant, check out our videos about it and its uses.

This Little-Known Grass is Great Forage in Late Winter | (Sphenopholis obtusata)

Additional information

Weight N/A
Unit

Packet, Ounce, Pound

Light

Full Sun to Part Shade

Seeding Rate

5 bulk lbs/acre, 4 PLS lbs/acre

Soils

Dry, Average, Moist

Height

24"-36"

Bloom Month

May, Jun

Color

Green

Cattle Palatability

Good

What is PLS?

Pure Live Seed (PLS) is the portion of good viable seed per pound. It is a measure of the seed that is alive and able to sprout into plants. This product is sold by PLS ounce/pound. To provide one ounce/pound of viable seed, you will receive more than one ounce/pound of product. Read more about PLS here.