| Description | Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) At one time the most abundant and tallest of grasses in the prairie. Can reach a height of 6-8 feet or more. |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | (an-droh-POH-gon)(jer-Ar-dee-eye) |
| Plant Type | Grass Ornamental, Wild Flowers |
| Hardiness Zone | 5 |
| Sunlight | full sun |
| Moisture | dry to moist |
| Soil & Site | Found growing in dry or wet prairies and can become the dominant plant in mesic sites. |
| Flowers | plumes are found atop 3-6' flower stalks, three elongated dense clusters originate from the same point in the shape of a Turkey's foot |
| Fruit | seed pods are twisted, 2-4" long, hairy and bristle like awl |
| Leaves | green with some burgundy red and blue mixed in and in the fall burgundy red, tan and light brown. |
| Dimensions | Reaches up to 9 feet forming dense tufted bunches of leaves and flower stalks. |
| Propagation | seeds |
| Native Site | Native to the tall grass prairies of North America. |
| Misc Facts | From the greek words "andros" man and "pogon" beard. AKA: turkeyfoot, tall bluestem, bluejoint, |
| Author's Notes | Walking down a path through a prairie with this grass towering over your head has been a calming back to nature experience for me. |
| Notes & Reference | #56-Tall Grass Prairie Wildflowers (Doug Ladd), #127-Grasses of Wisconsin (Norman Fassett) |
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