Big Bluestem
ExplorePlants
Big Bluestem
Andropogon gerardii
Big Bluestem is a tall grass that can grow very high! It’s known for its blue-green color and is great for prairie habitats.
Habitat: Prairies and grasslands
Appearance
The Big Bluestem is a tall, clumping grass with distinctive blue-green stems in summer, often tinged with purple. Its unique seed heads branch out like a turkey's foot, turning a vibrant rusty-red or bronze in autumn, making it easy to spot amidst other prairie grasses.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderPoalesFamilyPoaceaeGenusAndropogon
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
In autumn, its stems turn a beautiful rusty-red, like a prairie sunset!
Its incredible roots can grow deeper than a full-size car is tall!
Pioneers used its tough sod to build sturdy houses, known as soddies!
This 'king of the prairie' creates rich, dark soil, making grasslands fertile.
Special abilities
Ability
Deep Root Diver
Big Bluestem has roots that can plunge over 8 feet deep, helping it find water in droughts and hold soil against erosion.
Ability
Fire Fighter
Big Bluestem can quickly regrow after prairie fires, as its growth points are protected underground, making it fire-resistant.
Ability
Prairie Powerhouse
Big Bluestem has a special C4 photosynthesis system, allowing it to grow efficiently even in hot, sunny, dry prairie conditions.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 150-300 cm
- Spread
- 60-90 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late summer to fall
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
eaten by
American Bison
Bison bison
a primary food source for grazing bison
eaten by
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus
grazed upon by deer, especially young shoots
shelters
Deer Mouse
Peromyscus maniculatus
provides cover and nesting sites for small mammals
shelters
Savannah Sparrow
Passerculus sandwichensis
uses dense clumps for nesting and protection
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Grass-Like
Grass-like plants are herbaceous plants that visually resemble true grasses, typically having long, narrow leaves.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Rapid Growing
Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
Also known as
Blue StemPrairie Grass
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Explore with care and ask an adult if you’re unsure what to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Big Bluestem?
150-300 cm
How wide does Big Bluestem spread?
60-90 cm
How big are the flowers on Big Bluestem?
0.5-1.5 cm
When does Big Bluestem bloom?
Late summer to fall
Is Big Bluestem edible?
No
Is Big Bluestem toxic?
None
What is Big Bluestem's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Big Bluestem pollinated?
Wind
Snap Map
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