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    • Photo of Andropogon gerardii foliage by Almost Eden

    Photo by Almost Eden

    Used with permission, all rights reserved

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    Andropogon gerardii

    Also Known As

    • Andropogon gerardii var. chrysocomus
    • Big Bluestem
    • Bunchgrass
    • Tallgrass
    • Turkeyfoot

    Plant type

    perennial, grass / grass like

    size

    • H: 4'-8'
    • W: 2'-3'

    planting zones

    • 4a-9b

    More Options

    Andropogon gerardii plant details

    Andropogon gerardii is a deciduous perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with blue and green foliage. In fall and summer blue, chocolate and red flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts bees, birds and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and even moisture - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in alkaline, average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant, verticillium wilt resistant and wind tolerant.

    CHARACTERISTICS OF Andropogon gerardii

    Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
    Plant family: poaceae
    Foliage: deciduous blue and green
    Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 4 FT - 8 FT - tall
    Flowers: blue, chocolate and red blooms in fall and summer
    Uses: fall color

    GROWING CONDITIONS for Andropogon gerardii

    USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
    Sun exposure: sun
    Watering frequency: even moisture - low
    Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat, humidity, verticillium wilt and wind
    Soil needs: alkaline, average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained

    Nursery contributed plant descriptions

    Historically renowned as the sod our ancestors broke their backs busting, Big Bluestem is the most widespread of all the prairie grasses. Its regal and wild color show makes it a must in our garden. Growing to great size, the stand's lush, blue-blushed summer greenery becomes a burgundy and copper glory at first frost. Soaring three-pronged red seed heads beg its other common name, Turkeyfoot. Reliable, heat tolerant and sturdy, Andropogon gerardii thrives in poorly drained clay to dry sandy soils, and easily transitions the outskirts of your garden into the wild meadow beyond. Hardy to zone 4. (g-0448)

    By: Digging Dog Nursery

    The most widely distributed of all the prairie grasses, it was largely responsible for the formation of the famous prairie sod. The distinctive three-parted seedheads resemble a turkey foot. Lush green leaves and stems change with the first frost to an attractive red-bronze color that provides landscape interest well into the winter. Grows in almost any soil, from wet clay to dry sand. Zones 3 - 9.

    By: Prairie Nursery

    A magnificent deciduous grass from the tall grass prairies of North America. Soft, mid to blue green, narrow leaves rise from a dense clump of subterranean corms. Unexciting three parted flowers are borne in Summer but it in Autumn the leaves colour spectacularly, in reds, yellows and oranges. Makes an elegant screen, backdrop or cattle feed. Very deep rooted and dry tolerant once established. Well behaved, long lived, thrives in all but extremely wet soil and extremely low maintenance, cut it to ground level in Winter. Big bluestem is one of the best ornamental grasses and cannot be recommended or planted enough.

    By: Zephs

    This native perennial grass brings it's stately form to the back of any perennial border while providing color and interest through every season. Wide blue-green foliage of spring matures to a softer blue-green in summer when the tall upright flower stalks begin to emerge and will finally reach their 6'+ height by late summer and early fall and may show off tinges of reds, oranges, yellows, and deeper blues. Bright colors often complement the fall garden with yellows, oranges, reds, and purples. In winter the the entire plant changes to a rich straw color which will lighten as spring returns.

    By: Almost Eden

    This U.S. Native prairie grass looks luxurious, but it is tough and adaptable! Dynamic clumps to 2-3’ tall and wide feature 6-8’ tall, purplish-red flowering culms September > February. Dry to wet soils in full sun, low maintenance (cut to ground in late winter); great background choice, meadow component, prairie mainstay, excellent erosion control plant.

    By: Secret Garden Growers

    Gardening facts about Andropogon gerardii plant

    How to Grow Andropogon gerardii

    • Sun Exposure

      • sun

    • Water Needs

      • even moisture - drought tolerant

    • Soil Needs

      • clay
      • alkaline
      • adaptable
      • average
      • well-drained
      • rich
      • gritty

    • Special Situation

      • heat tolerant
      • humidity tolerant
      • wind tolerant
      • verticillium wilt resistant

    Features

    • Foliage Color

      • green
      • blue

    • Flower Color

      • red
      • blue
      • chocolate

    • Wildlife

      • birds
      • bees
      • butterflies
      • deer resistant
      • rabbit resistant

    • Flower Season

      • fall
      • summer

    • Foliage Season

      • deciduous

    • Texture

      • grassy

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