Andropogon gerardii

Big Bluestem

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The king of native grasses, Big Bluestem has handsome gray to blue-green stems in spring turning to green alternating with deep red in summer then to coppery red in fall. Three fingered seed heads top tall stems in August. Clump forming with excellent drought tolerance once established.

Benefits

	Brilliant copper-red fall color
	Provides good food and nesting for many birds
	Superb for mass planting and erosion control
	Fast growing and drought tolerant
	Seed heads dry well for cut flower arrangements
	Fine foliage and upright form make it distinctive

Homeowner Growing and Maintenance Tips

Andropogon gerardii is very tolerant of diverse conditions, but is most often found in full sun, dry and sandy to clay soils. It grows quickly in moist fertile soils, but is more likely to bend and fall over. Clumps can be divided in early summer, but bring a sturdy shovel!

Height 4-6 Feet

Spread 18-24 Inches

Native Range Andropogon gerardii can be found in moist meadows and along side roads and rivers from Canada to Mexico. Distribution Map

Native Trivia Big bluestem once dominated the tall-grass prairies of North America, forming rippling waves of amber taller than a man on horseback from the Rocky Mountains to the eastern forests.

USDA Hardiness Zone 3-9

"Big Bluestem is one of the larval food plants of the Leonard's Skipper (Hesperia leonardus)."

Characteristics & Attributes