Promoting the Use of Native Plant Species in the Home Landscape

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Big Bluestem

Plant Leaf

Full Plant

Plant Berry/Flower

Latin Name: Andropogon gerardii

Flower Description:

Seed heads in Aug-Nov

FamilyPoaceae
Season BloomAugust - November
HabitatUsually in low meadows and prairies. Acid or calcareous sands, loams and clays. Big Bluestem needs more moisture to look its best, but is quite drought-tolerant when in deep prairie soils because of its deep roots. Provides cover for at least 24 species of songbirds and nesting sites or seeds for Grasshopper Sparrow, Henslow's Sparrow and other sparrows, as well as nesting sites for Sedge Wrens and Western Meadowlarks.
Cycle
Height4-8'
Leaf DescriptionLarge stature, blue-green foliage and interesting flowering heads. Russet color foliage in the fall.
Soil Type Wet
Light Source Sun
LocationShoreline, Woodland