Big Bluestem

Andropogon gerardii

Andropogon gerardii, commonly known as big bluestem grass, is a lovely tall, perennial, warm-season grass that hails from Texas. This beautiful plant was once the star of the tallgrass prairie that graced large parts of the Midwest. People often cultivate big bluestem grass for its striking foliage, which delights the eye as it changes colors with the seasons, along with its impressive height and charming flower and seed heads.

Big bluestem grass forms an upright clump of stems adorned with flattened leaves. In spring, the leaves showcase a delightful gray to blue-green hue, shifting to a bright green with reddish accents in summer, and then transforming into a stunning reddish bronze with hints of lavender in autumn after the frost. In late summer, flowering stems emerge above the foliage, displaying lovely purplish, finger-like clusters of flowers that resemble turkey feet. This is why many affectionately refer to it as turkey-foot grass! The height of this grass ranges from 4 to 8 feet, typically reaching the taller end in moist soils and the shorter end in drier conditions.

Big bluestem grass thrives in average, well-drained soils under full sunlight. It shows great flexibility, tolerating a variety of soils and growing conditions. While it enjoys moist, fertile soils, it also holds its ground well in dry, less fertile environments. This grass develops a strong root system and may take some time to establish; however, once it finds its footing, it shines with excellent drought resistance and is a breeze to care for. The best practice is to cut the stems down to the ground in late winter before new shoots begin to appear. When planted in ideal conditions, this grass will often self-seed joyfully, adding to its natural beauty.

BONAP MAP

Height: 4’-6'
Spread: 2’-3'
Bloom: September-February
Light: Full sun
Water: Low, Medium
Zone: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Origin: Canada to Mexico