Big Bluestem - Andropogon gerardii

Phonetic: an-dro-POH-gon jer-AR-dee-eye

Big bluestem is a tall, warm-season perennial grass. It prefers to grow in full sun and moderately moist to dry soils, though it is highly adaptable and tolerant of drought once established. Its deep, fibrous roots can reach up to ten feet underground, allowing it to access water during dry periods and stabilize soil, preventing erosion. Big bluestem grows best in open habitats with minimal shade.

Big bluestem begins its active growth in late spring and blooms from mid- to late summer. Its flowering stems can reach heights of five to seven feet and bear distinctive, three-branched seed heads that resemble a “turkey’s foot.” The grass is wind-pollinated, and by early fall, it produces small seeds that mature and disperse naturally, providing food for birds and small mammals. In autumn, the foliage takes on striking bronze and reddish hues, adding seasonal beauty and texture to native plantings. Its upright form and year-round structure also make it valuable for providing winter cover to wildlife.

Ecologically, Big bluestem is a keystone species in prairie ecosystems and a vital component of native biodiversity. While it is not insect-pollinated, it supports pollinators indirectly by creating habitat and microclimates for native bees and butterflies. Importantly, it serves as a host plant for butterfly and moth larvae, including several skipper species such as the Dusted and Delaware skipper. In native gardens, big bluestem is prized for its ornamental value, resilience, and ecological function—it can be used in pollinator gardens, and for erosion-control plantings. Its tall, graceful growth and vibrant fall color make it both a visually striking and environmentally beneficial addition to landscapes.

• Hardiness: 3-9
• Native Region: BONAP Map
• BONAP Map Key Color Guide: Map Color Key
  
• Sun Exposure: Full to Partial Sun
• Flower Color: Red/Green
• Bloom Time: August
• Soil Type: Med Wet to Dry
• Mature Plant Size: 5-7'H, 2'W
• Plant Spacing: 2-3'
• Host Plant: Dusted Skipper, Delaware Skipper, Common Wood Nymph, Cobweb Skipper, and The Thinker 
• Attracts: Birds
• Advantages: Drought tolerant, dried flower. Used by birds for cover and nesting sites.
• Landscape Uses: Meadows, roadsides, perennial borders.
• Companion Plants: Butterfly Weed, NY Aster, Lance leaf Coreopsis, Dense Blazing Star
• Deer Resistant