Big Bluestem

Taxobox
name = Big Bluestem

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image_width = 240px
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Liliopsida
ordo = Cyperales
familia = Poaceae
genus = "Andropogon"
species = "A. gerardii"
binomial = "Andropogon gerardii"
binomial_authority = Vitman

Big Bluestem ("Andropogon gerardii") is a tall bunch grass native to much of the prairie and Great Plains regions of North America.

Description

Big bluestem is tolerant of a wide range of soils and moistures. Depending on soil and moisture conditions, it grows to a height of 1 – 3m (3 – 10 ft). The stem base turns to a blue-purple as it matures. The seed heads have three spike-like projections, resulting in another common name for big bluestem — "turkey foot." The roots are deep, and the plants send out strong, tough rhizomes, so it forms very strong sod.

Ecology

Big bluestem is a late-successional grass in prairie ecosystems. It grows in tall, dense stands that shade out other plant species. These stands tend to gradually increase in size over time, unless a disturbance (such as fire) allows other plant species to re-establish themselves.

Uses

Bluestem, which has many variants, is considered to be good forage for horses and cattle, and can also be cut and used for hay. It has a high protein level. While not considered the highest quality native forage found in the United States, it has long been considered a desirable and ecologically important grass by cattle ranchers and range-land ecologists. Bluestem grass is also used by landscapers and home owners who want to create a 'native' look in their lawns and gardens.