On June 12, 2014, Big Bluestem became Manitoba’s official provincial grass emblem. The citizens of Manitoba chose it. It all started with a campaign to pick our grass.

We knew even before the voting that Big Bluestem was a bit of a shoe in for the role – it is distinctive, strong, graceful…but also tough and hard-working with its deep roots that stabilize the soil, its foliage that provides quality forage for grazing animals and a great place for birds and insects to hide out. It is also one of the main grass species of the tallgrass prairie, which makes Manitoba unique among the Prairie Provinces. As far as grasses go…it’s kind of a rock star.