Definition

A type of tall grass found mainly in North America, known for its smooth bluish leaf sheaths and clusters of slender spikes. It is commonly found in prairies and is used for hay and animal feed.

Example

The bluestem grass swayed gently in the breeze across the prairie.

Conversation

I saw some beautiful bluestem grass on my hike yesterday.

Really? I love how it looks in the sunlight.

Yeah, it has this amazing bluish sheen that stands out.

Totally! It's one of those grasses that really makes the prairie special.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Bluestem → The word is formed from "blue" (from Old English "blǣw", meaning the color blue) and "stem" (from Old English "stem", meaning the main body of a plant). The term "bluestem" refers to a type of grass characterized by its blue-green stems.

Memory Tip

Think of the color 'blue' and the 'stem' of a plant — that's why 'bluestem' describes a grass with blue-green stems.

Visually Confused Words