Big Bluestem

Andropogon gerardii, native

• Warm season perennial
• Plants send out tough, strong rhizomes so the stand becomes sod-forming
• Grows very tall in good soil and moisture conditions
• Base of plant turns purplish-blue as it matures
• Not tolerant to shade
• Tolerant to wildfire
• High protein forage for livestock
• Drought tolerant
• Commonly used for erosion control
• Can be slow to establish
• Provides shelter for nesting birds
• Dominant species in tallgrass prairies
• Common in open woods, prairies, meadows, along riverbanks and roadsides
• Abundant in lowland prairies, overflow sites and sandy areas