Big Bluestem

Andropogon gerardii

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  • Common name
    Big Bluestem
  • Latin name
    Andropogon gerardii
  • Plant type
    perennial
  • Flower color
    Glossy, purplish to reddish-bronze flower clusters. They split into a distinctive three-pronged shape that strongly resembles a turkey's foot.
  • Bloom time
    Late summer through fall
  • Height
    48-96"
  • Chelsea chop
    Yes
  • Light requirements
    Full sun. It can tolerate partial shade
  • Moisture
    Prefers dry to medium moisture.
  • Native to Ontario
    Yes
  • Locally native
    Yes
  • Deer resistant
    Yes
  • Ecological benefit
    A powerhouse for regional wildlife, serving multiple trophic levels.t is a vital food source for caterpillars of several native butterflies, including the Delaware Skipper and Dusted Skipper. At least 24 species of native songbirds rely on it. Large seedheads provide critical autumn and winter food for sparrows, wrens, and meadowlarks, while the dense foliage serves as high-quality nesting shelter. Its incredibly deep, fibrous root systems (reaching down up to 10 feet) naturally mitigate soil erosion.
  • Notes
    Too much shade or overly fertile soil will make the tall stems weak and prone to falling over.  It is highly versatile, growing in anything from moist sandy loam to dry clay, and boasts excellent drought tolerance once established. Cut the grass down by half its height in late June or early July using hedge shears or a high-clearance mower. This temporarily stalls growth, causing the plant to bloom at a shorter, more manageable height with denser foliage.
  • Picture
    Big Bluestem