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PLANT BASE
Andropogon gerardii
Big bluestem
Height
Spread
Growth
habit
4-9
4-6'
2-3'
Form Lifecycle Hardiness zone*
Clumping, upright
Grass/Grass-Like
Perennial
Tall Bluestem, Turkeyfoot
APPEARANCE
Bloom time
Bloom color
August-November
Violet/ pinkish
Fall rusted red/gold color, Winter texture
USE FOR
Seasonal interest
ENVIRONMENT
Terminal clusters
Light
Water
Soil
Soil pH
Clay, Loam, Sand
Acidc, Neutral
Soil Preference
Consistently moist
ENVIRONMENTAL TOLERANCE
Black walnut, Air pollution, Erosion, Dry Soil, Drought, Salt, Flooding
HABITAT & NATIVE RANGE
Low meadows and prairies, roadsides, fields
Eastern and Central North America, west to Montana, Colorado, and Arizona
BROWSE TOLERANCE
Black walnut, Air pollution, Erosion, Dry Soil, Drought, Salt, Flooding
Tolerance to browse by animals typically happens once plants are established. Young plants may still be quite susceptible.
SUGGESTED MAINTENANCE & COMMON PROBLEMS
Divide every 2-3 years, don't add thick mulch as will cause rot
COMPANION PLANTS
Butterfly weed,New England aster,Dense blazing star,Black eyed susan,Little bluestem,Beebalm,Common sneezeweed,Orange coneflower
COMPANION TREES & SHRUBS
NOTES
Very deep root systems, provides nesting and seed for over 24 bird species
For more information, check out these fantastic sources!
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