
Details
Big Bluestem is a 4' to 10' tall native perennial warm-season clump grass. It is one of the dominant grasses of the Tall Grass Prairies and is also frequent in native grasslands in all of the states east of the Mississippi. Big Bluestem grows best in medium to moist soils and in full sun. The name refers to the three-pronged flowering spikes resembling the turkey۪s foot. The uses and benefits of Big Bluestem include erosion control, forage production, landscaping, grassland restoration, privacy screens, and pollinator conservation. Wildlife benefits include bedding and resting sites, thermal protection, escape cover, avian cover, nesting sites, food, and fawn concealment.
Michigan Seeds and Plants grown on our farm, Renegade Acres, in Howell, MI!
Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth.
Additional Info
Botanical Name | Andropogon gerardii |
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Life Cycle | Perennial |
Min. Time to Germinate | 3 Days |
Max. Time to Germinate | 28 Days |
Depth to Sow Seeds | 1/4 in. |
When to Sow | Indoors 4-6 weeks before last spring frost, Outdoors after all danger of spring frost is past |
Growing Height | 6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m) |
Plant Spacing | 24-36 in. (60-90 cm) |
Hardiness | USDA Zone 2a: to -45F, USDA Zone 2b: to -40F, USDA Zone 3a: to -35F, USDA Zone 3b: to -30F, USDA Zone 4a: to -25F, USDA Zone 4b: to -20F, USDA Zone 5a: to -15F, USDA Zone 5b: to -10F, USDA Zone 6a: to -5F, USDA Zone 6b: to 0F, USDA Zone 7a: to 5F, USDA Zone 7b: to 10F |
Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
Danger | N/A |
Bloom Time | Late Summer/Early Fall |
Foliage | Grown for Foliage |
Other Details | Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater |
Soil pH Requirements | 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic), 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) |
Propagation Methods | By dividing the rootball, From seed; direct sow after last frost, From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall, From seed; sow indoors before last frost, From seed; stratify if sowing indoors, From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse |
Seed Collecting | Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds |
Seeds Per Pack | 100 |