Big Bluestem

Andropogon gerardii Vitman - Grass family

Size

Mature Height: Up to around 6.0 feet

Plant Type: Graminoid

Root Depth: 20 inches

Growth Form: Bunch

Growth Rate: Moderate

Features

Flower Color: Yellow

Conspicuous Flowers: No

Bloom Time: Summer

Seasonal Growth: Summer

Evergreen: No

Fall Colors: No

Conditions

Shade Tolerance: Intolerant

Clay Soil Tolerance: Yes

Sandy Soil Tolerance: Yes

Drought Tolerance: High

Flood Tolerance: Medium

Fire Tolerance: High

Salt Tolerance: Medium

Ecosystem Interactions

Pollinators: Butterflies; Nesting and Structure (Bees); Larval Host (Butterfly); Larval Host (Moth); Wind

Larval Species depending on Big Bluestem: Atrytone argos, Atrytone arogos, Atrytone logan, Atrytonopsis hianna, Faronta albilinea, Faronta diffusa, Hesperia metea, Hesperia ottoe, Problema byssus