Big Bluestem Grass

Tallgrass prairie used to cover vast swaths of the Midwest, where the sky was big and the buffalo roamed. Those prairies don't exist like they used to, but when they did - Big Bluestem Grass (Andropogon gerardii) was the king! It was the dominant Grass that grew there, providing breathtaking seasonal color change and food and protection for wildlife.

Also known as Turkey Foot Grass because of the forked seed heads that resemble their nickname, Bluestem sends up yellowish-reddish-orange seed heads from July to October. Columnar in form, Big Bluestem quickly grows to its full-sized 4-6 feet in height while remaining a space-saving 2-3 feet in width.

Just make sure you plant it where you and your neighbors can enjoy watching it go from gray to blue-green in spring, to green with red tinges in summer and finally to reddish bronze with lavender tones in autumn after frost. These native grasses are wonderfully adaptable throughout a wide swath of the US, Bluestem does fantastic throughout the USDA hardiness zones 4 through 10!

Planting and Application:

Big Bluestem makes a striking background for a naturalized border. It is the backbone of a wildflower and pollinator garden. It easily fits into a contemporary garden scheme, too. We know that you will love this tall stiff grass and its architectural form so much you will be looking for all the creative ways you can use it in your garden! Wildlife-friendly and easy to care for, Bluestem is perfect for the sun garden environment and provides winter interest!

Thankfully you don't need a vast prairie to enjoy the gifts of Big Bluestem - a neglected little corner of your yard will do. We'll bet, though, that you'll want to plant it in more prominent places than that corner! Try mixing Big Bluestem with its little brother Little Bluestem and its many colorful cousins for a mixed grass border or modern prairie garden or Rock Garden! Dress these grasses up or down to suit your landscape style however you'd like!

• Tall Erect Blue-Green Foliage
• Fantastic Fall Colors
• Reddish/Orange/Yellow Forked Seed Heads - Resemble a Turkey's Foot
• Hardy Native Prairie Warm-Season Grass
• Backdrops, Borders, Vertical Interest, Winter Interest & Wildlife-Friendly

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Big Bluestem is a warm-season ornamental native grass and thrives in dry, infertile soil where most other plants would shrivel. Mature plants have deep roots that survive drought and even fire. A true hardy native, it does just fine in ordinary garden soil and even wet soil, too! It also tolerates salt and browsing by deer! Any well-drained soil environment with moderate to low moisture suits these grasses just fine! Each spring, bundle up your grass and prune it back, but have patience - warm-season grasses take their time emerging in the spring.

• Strongest Stems in Full Sun
• Low Moisture Needs Once Established
• Widely Adaptable to All Well-Drained Soil Types
• Easy to Grow & Low Maintenance
• Prune Back Clumps in Early Spring

Hardy, easy-care, and native! This kaleidoscope of color will light up your garden all year. Order your Big Bluestem Grass from Nature Hills Nursery today!