Andropogon gerardii

Big Bluestem

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.

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!

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.

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

Characteristics & Attributes

Plan Sub Group • Medium to Tall Grasses	Exposure • Sun	Soil • Acidic • Saline or alkaline • Wide soil tolerance • Well-drained	Soil Moisture Preference • Moist but well-drained • Dry • Moist • Average
Attracts Wildlife • Butterflies	Foliage Color • Multi-color	Uses • Naturalizes • Erosion control • Border • Wind tolerant • Mass plant • Hedge, screen • Accent • Meadow