Andropogon gerardii
big bluestem
Poaceae (Graminae)
Plant Specifics
Form:
grass
Size:
4-7 (10) ft tall by 3-5 ft wide
Life Span:
long-lived perennial
Flower Color:
green
Fruit Color:
brown
Phenology:
deciduous
Noted For:
Interesting Foliage
Landscaping
Recommended Uses:
Sunny garden where a large, clumping grass is an asset. Noted for silvery-blue foliage that turns bronze in fall.
Considerations:
If used in a garden, too much water, shade, or fertilizer can cause it to get top-heavy and fall over.
Light:
Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance:
Somewhat moist, no flooding ---- to ---- Not wet but not extremely dry
Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:
Unknown
Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:
Some tolerance to salty wind but not direct salt spray
Soil or Other Substrate:
Sand, Loam
Suitable to Grow In:
8A,8B
Ecology
Wildlife:
Butterflies, Birds, Mammals
Larval host for the Delaware skipper ( Anatrytone logan ) and the dusted skipper ( Atrytonopsis hianna ).
Provides cover and seed for many species of songbirds.
Native Habitats:
Flatwoods, prairies.
