Andropogon gerardii
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Grass
• Sunlight: Full Sun
• Soils: Dry, average
• Bloom Time: Purplish in summer and early fall
• Size: 2-5 feet in height; 2-4 foot spread
A robust, warm season bunchgrass, Big Bluestem is best used as a striking accent in meadow landscapes. Silver tufts of seeds in late summer, contrast with golden fall foliage. Very drought tolerant once established.
Garden Companions
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Goldenrods (Solidago species)
Nature Benefits
• Host plant for at least eleven native butterflies and moths
• Attracts songbirds
• Valuable to a range of insects, birds, and mammals
Native Habitat
Occurs in low meadows and moist grasslands