Big Bluestem is a major component of the North American tallgrass prairie. It grows to a flowering height of 8' in hot, dry, infertile soils but risks flopping over in soils that are too rich and moist. This grass thrives on neglect in full sun locations and even has a moderate salt tolerance. It turns a smoldering orange color in fall with turkey foot shaped seed heads that dance in the wind. Big Bluestem will self-seed in favorable conditions, growing into tight clumps with shortly branching rhizomes and deep, fibrous roots. It is a warm-season grass which means it doesn't start putting on growth until later in the season, giving the cool-season grasses and forbs a chance to grow and flower before it dominates the habitat.Big Bluestem is an important food source for granivorous birds, the caterpillars of several species of skippers, katydids, and grasshoppers, as well as providing much needed cover for wildlife.Sources:
Native Ferns, Moss, & Grasses by William Cullina
Gardening with Grasses by Michael King and Piet Oudolf
Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants and Herbs by Steven Foster and James A. Duke
Missouri Botanical Garden
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Illinois Wildflowers
National Park Service
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Andropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem) - 2 gal
Big Bluestem
Plant Care & Installation Quick-Guide
Proper acclimation and installation are key to your plant's success. Please cross-reference these tips with your plant's specific ID tags:
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Pre-Planting: Store plants in a light-appropriate area on soil or grass (avoid hot concrete or asphalt) and water daily until the soil is saturated and the pot feels heavy. If temperatures drop below 30°F, move pots to a garage or cover them to prevent root freeze.
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Installation: Dig a hole matching the depth of the pot, remove the fabric container, and ensure the plant’s crown or root flare is level with the ground. Fill gaps with soil, water heavily, and apply 2 inches of mulch—keeping it clear of the stem.
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Ongoing Care: Check moisture daily by feeling 1–2 inches into the soil; water deeply at the base if the soil feels dry or warm. Newly installed plants require frequent watering (up to 3–4 times weekly in heat) until fully established, which can take a few months for perennials and up to two years for trees.