Big Bluestem

Andropogon gerardii

Image Credit:
Andropogon gerardii shrub.png | T.Voekler | Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0
Andropogon gerardii – big bluestem – 51501456605.jpg | Matt Lavin | Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0
Andropogon gerardii – big bluestem – 53117770275.jpg | Matt Lavin | Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0

Large, warm-season grass. Great accent plant in the home landscape, but not recommended for small spaces as it can be aggressive, spreading via rhizomes. Seedheads resemble a turkey’s foot. Great fall color in the range of gold and pink. Important prairie grass provides habitat for birds, small mammals, and many insects. Hardy to zone 3.

Plant Details

Native Range: Native to western CO and much of North America
Height: up to 7 feet
Spacing: 2-3 feet
Water Needs: Low-Moderate
Soil: Loamy/coarse
Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
Bloom Time: July – September
USDA Zone: 3-9
Life Cycle: Perennial