Family: Poaceae

Bothriochloa bladhii, commonly known as Australian bluestem or Caucasian bluestem, is a hardy perennial grass native to parts of Africa and Asia. It forms dense clumps with bluish-green leaves and produces showy, purplish seed heads that give the plant a soft, plume-like appearance. Because it tolerates drought, heat, and poor soils, it has been planted in many regions for cattle forage, erosion control, and revegetation. Its resilience and ability to grow where other grasses struggle have made it a widely used pasture grass in dryland areas.

However, Bothriochloa bladhii can become invasive, outcompeting native plants and altering dryland ecosystems. It spreads by both seeds and creeping stems, forming dense stands that reduce plant diversity and change fire behavior by creating more uniform, flammable fuel beds. Once established, it can be difficult to remove, and its aggressive growth may threaten native wildlife habitat and rangeland quality. In Hawai‘i and other subtropical areas, this species should be managed carefully to prevent spread and protect native landscapes.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Molokai, Maui, Hawaii, Oahu, and Kahoolawe (Hawaiian Islands); widely naturalized elsewhere
  
• A disturbance-adapted grass that may impact agriculture and possibly the natural environment
  
• Other Bothriochloa species are invasive
  
• May increase fire risk
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Reproduces by seeds and vegetatively by rhizomes
  
• Hybridizes with other Bothriochloa species
  
• Apomictic
  
• Annual to perennial, capable of reaching maturity in one growing season
  
• Seeds dispersed by wind, intentionally and unintentionally by people, and possibly by water and animals
  
• Tolerates fire and heavy grazing

Low Risk Traits:

• Despite naturalization and weediness, valued as a pasture grass for livestock
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Provides forage for livestock
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control