TL
Family
Poaceae
Botanical Name
ANDROPOGON gerardii
Plant Common Name
Big Bluestem, Turkey Foot
General Description
Big bluestem is an rugged, clump-forming perennial grass that makes a dense clump of leaves and tall flower stalks topped with distinctive seedheads in autumn. Native to a vast range across North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico, it has become quite rare in the western United States.
The blue-green stems and green leaves are relatively short throughout the summer, but with the onset of fall, the stems lengthen as the flowers emerge. Silvery-red or red-purple in color, the tiny flowers form a turkey foot-like raceme, three short stems branching from the tip of the main stem. Autumnal frosts and sunshine turn the entire plant rich tints of beige, bronze and red. This grass provides important cover, nesting and seeds for dozens of songbirds, including wrens, meadowlarks and sparrows. Skipper butterflies also lay their eggs on the grass's leaves.
Big bluestem needs full to partial sun and average, well-drained soil. Given moisture, it grows vigorously, but is quite drought tolerant once established. It will grow best in neutral garden soils that are on the dry side in winter. Over-watering and over-fertilizing can create very large specimens that will flop down in wind. Allow the plant to dry and remain for interest and wildlife across winter, and cut it back in very early spring before new growth starts. It would be a terrific addition to any meadow or as an accent in the mixed border among asters and mums. Or, if well watered, a soft looking screening hedge.
Consider the cultivar 'Champ' with excellent fall color, 'Pawnee' with a more arching habit, or 'Roundtree' for a taller, more strikingly vertical form.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
7 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
2 - 7
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Sunset Zone
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Grass
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
4'-8' / 1.2m - 2.4m (6)
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Width
2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m
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Bloom Time
Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
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Native To
North America, United States, Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, North-Central United States, Central United States, South-Central United States, Southwestern United States, Texas, Canada, Mexico
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Red, Purple, Violet, Silver
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Fruit Color
Bronze, Tan
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Blue Green, Burgundy, Bronze
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Tan, Sandy Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Cutflower, Dried Flower/Everlasting, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break, Wildflower
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds, Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes
