Each of the native grasses has evolved in its own little temporal and spatial niche. Some grasses are better suited for certain applications than others. Following is a discussion of each of the major five native warn season grass species and their applications.

SWITCHGRASS

Switchgrass is the most adapted to wetter sites of the five major grasses. The varieties "Kanlow", "Alamo", and "Cave-in-Rock" are the best suited of the switchgrasses for wet applications. There are also upland varieties of switchgrass, the most common one being "Blackwell".
Before I continue let's define "wet site" as it pertains to this discussion. Using a common crop such as milo (grain sorghum) as a reference, switchgrass will grow on a site only slightly wetter than a milo crop can be raised on. This can also be termed as a "wet mesic" site.

Switchgrass can withstand periodic flooding throughout the growing season but will not grow in standing water. Switchgrass is excellent for grassed waterways or grass-backed terraces because it is Atrazine tolerant. That means if you don't get the spray shut off in time, when spraying your crops, it will not be effected. Switchgrass is the most weather resistant native grass with it's greatest value to wildlife being its ability to stand up to severe winter weather to provide cover for wildlife. Attractiveness as nesting cover is only moderate but certainly much better than fescue or other exotic introduced species. Switchgrass, if not harvested for hay, can be good brood habitat but must not be too thick of a stand and needs some broadleaved forbs mixed within. Switchgrass plantings commonly produce 3 tons of hay or more per acre (up to 6 tons in specific instances). The date of switchgrass hay harvest varies depending upon your location but unfortunately usually disrupts nesting quail. Keep that in mind when considering the use of switchgrass.

BIG BLUESTEM

Weaver, a native grass researcher through the mid century from Nebraska, lists big bluestem as a wet prairie grass. Big bluestem is not commonly thought of as a wet site grass as most of the released varieties have come from upland sources. Big bluestem grows on sites just up hill from switchgrass. It can withstand periodic flooding but doesn't like its feet to be wet for too long a period of time. Big Bluestem is good nest cover and excellent brood cover. Its tall overstory provides good overhead concealment for both nests and broods. Big blue matures later than switchgrass and therefore is better suited for both raising quail and hay harvest. It still is harvested just a bit early though for many nesting birds. Few if any of the native grasses can match the quantity and quality of forage produced by big bluestem. Big bluestem stands moderately well through winter.

INDIANGRASS

Moving uphill from big bluestem, native stands of indiangrass occupy this zone. Indiangrass is preferred for nesting. It is a fine leaved bunch grass which puts on 70% of its growth after July 1. Indiangrass is a desired height during nest site selection and begins rapidly growing about the time the majority of broods are coming off, providing good overhead concealment. During most years, haying of indiangrass usually occurs well after most nests have completed. Indiangrass does not hold up well to winter.

LITTLE BLUESTEM

Little bluestem is adapted to dry upland sites. It is very fined leaved and is late maturing. Very seldom are pure stands of little bluestem planted. Little bluestem is similar to indiangrass in its attractiveness to nesting upland birds. It only provides moderate brood habitat and is generally poor winter cover.

SIDEOATS GRAMA

Sideoats occupies nearly the same sites as little bluestem and is similar in attractiveness to wildlife. The seeds of sideoats grama provide good wildlife food.
Single species can serve a purpose for specific applications, such as switchgrass for grassed waterways, big bluestem for high quality forage or indiangrass for a late season forage. If using a single species and managing for multiple objectives use some common sense. Leave strips of grasses undisturbed for their later benefit. Take odd corners of a hay field out of production and leave it for wildlife. You'll get the production out of the grasses while having the satisfaction that you're giving something back to the land. Though I have discussed each one of these individually, I strongly recommend planting a mixture of all five plus a good complement forbs to add diversity and attractiveness for wildlife. Each of these grasses have their own strengths and weaknesses and when planted together compliment each other very well. I will add one caution though, switchgrass can dominate a new stand if planted in too high of a percentage of the mix. Another advantage to planting a mixture is that you are putting the seed source out there and letting mother nature decide which grasses will eventually dominate their own niches.