Big Bluestem, Andropogon gerardii

Example of Big Bluestem

Full Sun, Native, Warm-Season

Also called “turkey foot” because of its three-pronged flower heads, Big Bluestem is a staple grass of the North American prairie. Its foliage is a green/blue-green during the summer and changes to a rich copper/burgundy in the fall. As a warm season grass, it should be planted in the spring to allow establishment over the summer. Once established, Big Bluestem should need little water or fertilizer for healthy growth.

The second year plants were bigger and starting to look more ornamental, but this grass is relatively slow to get established.

Advertised Height Advertised Zone

60-96”

3
Year Height/Width
Year 1 2007 60”/20”
Year 2 2008 66”/20”
Year 3 2009 73"/32"
Date Pictures
Fall 2007 Big Bluestem in fall
Feb 2008 Big Bluestem in the snow of February
August 2008 Big Bluestem in August
September 2009 Andropogon gerardi in September
November 2009 Andropogon gerardii in November