The signature grass of the tallgrass prairie, turning copper-bronze in fall with distinctive turkey-foot seed heads.
Quick Reference
- Bloom Season
- Aug to Oct
- USDA Zones
- 3-9
- Sun
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low - drought tolerant
- Mature Height
- 4-6'
- Bloom Colors
- BlueGreenRed
♣ Native Species✦ Low Maintenance❄ Winter Interest✿ Pollinator Friendly
Read the full Big Bluestem growing guide →
Companion plants, planting tips, FAQ, and more
About This Name
Andropogon gerardii is the scientific name used by botanists, nurseries, and seed catalogs to identify Big Bluestem unambiguously. The genus Andropogon places it within a specific plant family, and using the botanical name avoids the confusion that comes with regional common names. If you're shopping for Big Bluestem, looking up plant care details, or comparing varieties, searching by Andropogon gerardii will give you the most precise results.