More Leaf, Less Stem

One of WW-B.Dahl’s strongest characteristics is its high leaf-to-stem ratio.

Compared with many other Old World Bluestems, WW-B.Dahl produces a greater proportion of leafy forage and remains vegetative later into the summer.

That can contribute to:

• Better forage quality
• Greater digestibility
• Improved livestock acceptance
• More useful grazing forage
• Better quality hay
• Longer vegetative growth before heading

WW-B.Dahl is especially useful for producers who want the durability of Old World Bluestem without sacrificing as much forage quality.

Productive Warm-Season Pasture

WW-B.Dahl has proven especially useful in grazing systems.

The grass tolerates relatively close grazing and can maintain productive vegetative growth during the warm season when properly fertilized and managed.

Grazing Benefits

• Highly leafy forage
• Good cattle palatability
• Tolerates grazing pressure
• Late maturity helps extend quality
• Strong summer forage production
• Good regrowth under proper management
• Useful in rotational grazing systems
• Perennial stand

Research in the Southern High Plains has shown WW-B.Dahl to perform well as a grazing forage and compare favorably with other Old World Bluestem types for animal performance.

Leafy Warm-Season Hay

WW-B.Dahl can also be used for hay production.

Its relatively fine stems and high leaf percentage can help produce better-quality forage than coarser Old World Bluestem types.

Hay Production Benefits

• High leaf-to-stem ratio
• Good digestibility
• Strong summer production
• Late maturity
• Good regrowth
• Perennial forage production
• Suitable for cattle hay

The best hay quality is generally achieved by cutting before or near the boot stage, before stems and seed heads become overly mature.

Key Features

High Leaf-to-Stem Ratio

WW-B.Dahl is notably leafy compared with many other Old World Bluestems, which supports forage quality and digestibility.

Late Maturity

The variety remains vegetative later into the summer, delaying seed-head development compared with earlier-maturing grasses.

Strong Grazing Performance

WW-B.Dahl tolerates grazing pressure and can produce quality summer forage for cattle.

Good Forage Quality

Its leafy growth contributes to better digestibility and livestock performance than many coarser Old World Bluestem types.

Low-Water Potential

WW-B.Dahl has shown the ability to perform under limited irrigation and survive under dry conditions once established.

Broad Soil Adaptation

It can grow across a range of soil textures, including sandy loams and clay loams.

Fertility Response

WW-B.Dahl can grow under relatively low fertility but responds strongly to added nitrogen when higher forage production is desired.

Proven in the Southern High Plains

WW-B.Dahl is particularly relevant to West Texas because it has been studied extensively in the Texas High Plains and Southern Great Plains.

Research near Lubbock has shown the grass can produce strong forage under low-water conditions and can persist without full irrigation once established.

Potential West Texas uses include:

• Beef cattle pasture
• Irrigated grazing systems
• Low-irrigation forage acres
• Hay production
• Integrated crop-livestock systems
• Summer perennial pasture

It can be especially valuable where producers want to reduce dependence on higher-water forage systems.

Establish with a Firm Seedbed

WW-B.Dahl has very small seed and should be planted shallow.

General Planting Information

• Crop Type: Warm-season perennial grass
• Species: Bothriochloa bladhii
• Cultivar: WW-B.Dahl
• Growth Habit: Bunchgrass with occasional short stolons
• Primary Uses: Grazing, hay, pasture
• Planting Season: Late winter through spring
• Sun Requirement: Full sun
• Establishment: Seeded
• Planting Depth: Approximately ⅛–¼ inch

A firm seedbed and good seed-to-soil contact are especially important because of the small seed size.

Use Pure Live Seed as the Guide

WW-B.Dahl seed is very small, so seeding rates are usually expressed in Pure Live Seed (PLS).

A practical range is approximately:

• Drilled: 1–2 lb. PLS/acre
• Broadcast: Around 2 lb. PLS/acre

Some seed suppliers may recommend somewhat higher rates depending on seed quality, coating, and planting method.

Final Rate Should Account For:

• Pure live seed
• Germination
• Seed purity
• Drill vs. broadcast
• Seedbed condition
• Moisture
• Planting equipment

Use the current bag tag and Jack Seed & Supply’s recommendation for the specific seed lot being planted.

What Does WW-B.Dahl Bring to the Field?

Crop: Old World Bluestem

Cultivar: WW-B.Dahl

Scientific Name: Bothriochloa bladhii

Crop Type: Warm-season perennial grass

Growth Habit: Bunchgrass

Primary Uses: Grazing, hay, pasture

Maturity: Late

Typical Height: Approximately 3–4 feet, with seed stems potentially taller

Leaf-to-Stem Ratio: High

Palatability: Good to Very Good

Forage Quality: Very Good for an Old World Bluestem

Drought Adaptation: Good

Grazing Tolerance: Very Good

Fertility Requirement: Moderate

Nitrogen Response: Strong

Planting Depth: Approximately ⅛–¼ inch

Drilled Rate: Approximately 1–2 lb. PLS/acre

Broadcast Rate: Approximately 2 lb. PLS/acre

Life Cycle: Perennial

West Texas Adaptation: Excellent

What is WW-B.Dahl Bluestem?

WW-B.Dahl is a late-maturing cultivar of Old World Bluestem used primarily for grazing and hay production.

Is WW-B.Dahl good for cattle?

Yes. It is known for a high leaf-to-stem ratio, good palatability, and better forage quality than many other Old World Bluestems.

Is WW-B.Dahl good for West Texas?

Yes. It has been extensively studied and used in the Texas High Plains and Southern Great Plains.

Is WW-B.Dahl drought tolerant?

Yes. It has good drought adaptation and has shown the ability to produce under limited irrigation.

How much WW-B.Dahl should I plant per acre?

A practical range is approximately 1–2 lb. PLS/acre drilled and around 2 lb. PLS/acre broadcast.

How deep should WW-B.Dahl be planted?

Approximately ⅛–¼ inch. It should be planted very shallow.

Is WW-B.Dahl a perennial?

Yes. It is a warm-season perennial grass.

Is WW-B.Dahl good for hay?

Yes. Its high leaf-to-stem ratio and late maturity make it useful for hay, especially when harvested before excessive stem maturity.

Does WW-B.Dahl need much fertilizer?

It can survive under relatively low fertility, but forage production responds strongly to nitrogen.

Can WW-B.Dahl handle grazing pressure?

Yes. It tolerates close grazing better than many bunchgrasses, although rotational management is still preferred.

Is WW-B.Dahl the same as native bluestem?

No. WW-B.Dahl is an Old World Bluestem, introduced from Asian genetics. It is not the same species as native Big Bluestem or Little Bluestem.