Poaceae
big bluestem
Andropogon gerardi
Synonyms
Andropogon provincialis
Andropogon chrysocomus
Andropogon furcatus
Andropogon tennesseensis
Other Common Names
turkeyfoot
Plant Type
Grass/Grass-like
Life Cycle
Perennial
Typical Size
4-8 ft. tall
2-3 ft. wide
Tolerant of
Drought, Occasional Flooding
Inolerant of
Poorly Drained Soil
Propagation
By seed, By division
Plant Propagation Notes
No pre-treatment needed.
Plants/Diseases
No significant pest or disease issues.
Wildlife Benefits
Fruit/seeds for birds, Supports numerous caterpillars (bird food)
Leaves
Linear blue to blue green leaves.
Flowers
Flowers open red and darken with maturity.
Fruit
Caryopsis.
Toxicity
No known toxicity.
USDA Hardiness Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Light Exposure
Full Sun
Soil Moisture
Dry, Medium
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Native in South Carolina?
Yes
Plant Native Habitat
A variety of often dry habitats such as long leaf pine sandhills, prairie like sites, other open forests, grasslands, and glades.
Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)
Secure (G5)
Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)
Not Listed
Distribution Notes
Uncommon in coastal plain, piedmont, and mountains.