1. Plural of bluestem; any of several tall perennial grasses native to North America, characterized by bluish or purplish coloring on the stems and commonly found in prairie grasslands.
Usage: Often used in ecological and agricultural contexts; Common in the Great Plains region

Examples

• The prairie was dominated by bluestems that swayed in the wind.
• Ranchers value bluestems as nutritious forage for cattle.
• Native bluestems are being replanted to restore the tallgrass prairie.
• The field turned reddish-purple in autumn as the bluestems matured.
• Bluestems can grow six feet tall in ideal conditions.
• Conservation efforts focus on protecting bluestem grasslands from development.