Big Bluestem
Andropogon gerardii

• Botanical Name:  Andropogon gerardii
• Common Name:  Big Bluestem
• Light Requirements:  Full Sun
• Native: Yes
• Deer Resistant:   Yes
• Drought Tolerant:   Yes
• Pollinator Friendly:   No
• Mature Height:  
• Bloom Colors:   N/A
• Fall Colors:   Red, Orange, Seed Heads

Big Bluestem, often referred to as the "King of the Prairie," is a magnificent warm-season grass that can grow up to 8 feet tall under optimal conditions. This native perennial forms dense clumps with blue-green stems at the base, which turn a spectacular array of colors including reds, oranges, and purples in the fall. Its distinctive seed head, resembling a turkey�s foot due to its three-pronged structure, adds visual interest. Big Bluestem is not only ornamental but also ecologically beneficial, providing habitat for wildlife, stabilizing soil, and serving as a high-quality forage for livestock. It prefers full sun and well-drained soils but is adaptable to a variety of conditions, including drought.