Native Warm Season Grass Information Posted in National Plant Data Center Webpage

The Agricultural Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC), working with the National Plant Data Center (NPDC) has posted a 1971 NRCS publication written by range conservationists Horace Leithead, Lewis Yarlett, and Thomas Shiflet entitled 100 native forage grasses in 11 southern states. The Agricultural Handbook was converted to an electronic copy by Chuck Kowaleski of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). Chuck currently serves as TPWD liaison to Texas NRCS. Much of the basic information is now in the PLANTS information sheets that are available to all, but the historical book is also of great value, as it places the native warm season grasses (NWSG) in a group.

The great piece of work was done by range conservationists to highlight native grasses that could be used to provide forage for cattle operations. Today, the interest in native warm season grasses has grown beyond just providing forage for cattle management. There is  much interest in how to use them to increase wildlife habitat as NRCS develops specifications for conservation practices such as field borders and other buffers. The Director and staff at AWCC worked closely with NPDC because they want folks to remember, “Native warm season grass, it’s not just for cows anymore.”

To download a copy of 100 native forage grasses in 11 southern states, follow this link and then scroll down to "Other Publications," but be aware that this is a large file.
Your contacts are AWCC Wildlife Biologist Ed Hackett and Director, National Plant Data Center Scott Peterson.