big bluestem

Family

Poaceae

Scientific Name

Andropogon gerardii

Other Common Names:

bluejoint

bluejoint beardgrass

poptillo gigante

turkeyfoot.

Synonyms (former Scientific Names):

Andropogon chrysocomus

Andropogon furcatus

Andropogon provincialis

Habit

It is a perennial grass that forms clumps or mats due to short rhizomes. It grows upright and can reach 6 to 8 ft tall.

Leaves

Leaves can reach 15 inches in length and 2 to 6 mm wide. The leaves and sheaths are typically hairless, but can be rough to the touch.

Identifying Characteristics

Big bluestem is a native, perennial warm-season bunchgrass. It spreads by producing short rhizomes. It can grow 6-8 feet tall, but the height can be region dependent. Leaf blades can range from 6 to 24 inches long. Seed heads consist of 2-6 (usually 3) blooming racemes resembling a turkey foot.

Flower Seed Head

It forms a spike-like raceme and resembles a turkey foot. Flowering can range from July-October.

Seed Fruit

The fluffy seeds are oblong, less than 0.25 inches long. It does well in full sun or partial shade.

Where Found

It is a major component of the tall grass vegetation used in prairie management. It is a common grass in the understory of longleaf pine communities of the southeastern U.S. Big bluestem grows best in moist, well-drained sandy and clay loam soils. It does well in low fertility.