Big bluestem

Big bluestem is a clump-forming perennial grass reaching heights of 8 feet or more when it flowers in the fall.

Big Bluestem
The king of native grasses with three fingered seed heads in August, and handsome gray to blue-green stems in spring turning to green in summer then to red in fall. Clump forming with excellent drought tolerance once established.

Common Name: Big Bluestem
Latin Name: Andropogon gerardii
Habitat: Dunes, dry prairies, jack pine/oak forests ...

From the prairies of Nebraska comes a refined variety of big bluestem: 'Pawnee'. It has an upright habit and warm fall colors that persist into winter. Each stiffly vertical stem has the characteristic bluish purple cast of this genus.

Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii): This very tall native grass grows from 3 to 8 feet tall in a narrow clump. The leaves are blue-green in summer, turning rust in fall.

Big bluestem is perfect for low-maintenance landscapes and xeroscapes. Use of this grass is encouraged within its natural range.
Usage
Big bluestem is grown for its lush summer foliage and reliable fall and winter color.

Big Bluestem forms large clumps of stiff silvery green to blue foliage, turning to a copper color in fall
4-10
Black Mondo Grass ...

The dominant grass species include big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). These three grasses each develop strikingly beautiful fall colors.

Grasses such as big bluestem, and Indian grass, and many species of flowers grow here. The plants can sometimes grow to be 10 feet tall.

Test Garden Tip: Switchgrass, big bluestem, and little bluestem are some of our favorite grasses for great fall leaf color.
Enjoy Garden Art ...

See also: Bluestem, Grass, Grasses, Andropogon gerardii, Green