Skip to content
Log inStart trial

Big Bluestem

Andropogon Gerardii

Design with this plant

Overview

Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) is a robust, perennial grass reaching 4-6 ft. A quintessential North American prairie plant, it showcases purplish flower spikes and bluish-green foliage which turns a striking reddish-bronze in fall. This hardy species thrives in full sun with deep roots adapting to a wide range of soils. Ideal for naturalistic landscapes, it offers excellent erosion control and is a magnificent accent in mixed borders.

Sun FullWater LowZones 4–9Type Grass, PerennialClimate Temperate
Big Bluestem (Andropogon Gerardii) — named for their resemblance to a bird's foot; green and red flowers in the garden, image 67

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Low
USDA zones
4–9

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Grass, Perennial
Family
Poaceae
Climate
Temperate

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (103)

Big Bluestem (Andropogon Gerardii) — is a perennial grass indigenous to North America's tallgrass prairies
Big Bluestem (Andropogon Gerardii) — Moreover, this grass boasts ecological benefits, attracting local wildlife and supporting biodiversity.<br>; a, image 75
Big Bluestem (Andropogon Gerardii) — Big Bluestem requires full sun exposure and can tolerate both dry and moist environments; scientifically known, image 72
Big Bluestem (Andropogon Gerardii) — Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) is a robust, perennial grass reaching 4-6 ft; this hardy species thrives in full sun
Big Bluestem (Andropogon Gerardii) — it typically reaches 4 to 6 feet; named for their resemblance to a bird's foot
Big Bluestem (Andropogon Gerardii) — grass / perennial with green and red blooms
Big Bluestem (Andropogon Gerardii) — A quintessential North American prairie plant; with exceptional specimens soaring up to 8 feet when conditions are
Big Bluestem (Andropogon Gerardii) — grass / perennial for full; moreover, this grass boasts ecological benefits, attracting local wildlife and, image 78
Big Bluestem (Andropogon Gerardii) — grass / perennial for full; moreover, this grass boasts ecological benefits, attracting local wildlife and supporting
Big Bluestem (Andropogon Gerardii) — with exceptional specimens soaring up to 8 feet when conditions are favorable
Big Bluestem (Andropogon Gerardii) — Moreover, this grass boasts ecological benefits, attracting local wildlife and supporting biodiversity.<br>
Big Bluestem (Andropogon Gerardii) — or as a dramatic backdrop in ornamental beds.<br><br>For a successful installation
Big Bluestem (Andropogon Gerardii) — Big Bluestem requires full sun exposure and can tolerate both dry and moist environments; scientifically known as
Big Bluestem (Andropogon Gerardii) — it offers excellent erosion control and is a magnificent accent in mixed borders; and bronze tones in the fall, image 58
Big Bluestem (Andropogon Gerardii) — This robust species thrives in hardiness zones 3 to 9, making it well-suited for a wide range of landscapes; is a
Big Bluestem (Andropogon Gerardii) — The distinct 'turkey foot' seed heads; combined with its adaptability to a variety of soil conditions, image 66
Big Bluestem (Andropogon Gerardii) — scientifically known as Andropogon gerardii
Big Bluestem (Andropogon Gerardii) — though it shows a preference for well-drained soil; the distinct 'turkey foot' seed heads, image 73
Big Bluestem (Andropogon Gerardii) — it offers excellent erosion control and is a magnificent accent in mixed borders; and bronze tones in the fall
Big Bluestem (Andropogon Gerardii) — green and red flowers in the garden; this robust species thrives in hardiness zones 3 to 9, making it, image 76
Big Bluestem (Andropogon Gerardii) — and bronze tones in the fall; it typically reaches 4 to 6 feet, image 65
Big Bluestem (Andropogon Gerardii) — combined with its adaptability to a variety of soil conditions
Big Bluestem (Andropogon Gerardii) — Minimal maintenance is needed, though occasional trimming can promote denser growth; though it shows a, image 74
Big Bluestem (Andropogon Gerardii) — green and red flowers in the garden; this robust species thrives in hardiness zones 3 to 9, making it well-suited for a
Photographs by 7 contributors

Related plants

Adagio Eulalia Grass (Miscanthus Sinensis 'Adagio') — Adagio Eulalia Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Adagio') is a compact ornamental grass reaching 3 to 4 feet

Grass

Adagio Eulalia Grass

Miscanthus Sinensis 'Adagio'

FullUSDA 4–9
Alkali Sacaton (Sporobolus Airoides) — It flourishes in arid zones, reaching 3 feet in height with an equal spread

Grass

Alkali Sacaton

Sporobolus Airoides

FullUSDA 6–10
Alphonse Karr Bamboo (Bambusa Multiplex 'Alphonse Karr') — is a visually striking clumping bamboo; making it an excellent choice for residential gardens

Bamboo

Alphonse Karr Bamboo

Bambusa Multiplex 'Alphonse Karr'

FullUSDA 9–10
Amur Or Silver Banner Grass (Miscanthus Sacchariflorus) — textural contrast to the landscape

Grass

Amur Or Silver Banner Grass

Miscanthus Sacchariflorus

FullUSDA 5–9
'Apache Rose' Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum) — Proven Winners - Prairie Winds® 'Apache Rose' - Switch Grass - Panicum virgatum pink tan rose plant details

'Apache Rose' Switch Grass

Panicum virgatum

Full
Atlas Fescue (Festuca mairei) — This low-maintenance perennial thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to dry conditions

Grass

Atlas Fescue

Festuca mairei

FullUSDA 4–9