Big Bluestem - Andropogon gerardii

Features: This majestic self-seeding Midwest native is the dominant grass of the Tallgrass Prairie and Illinois' Official State Grass. It is ideal for privacy planting or against a sunny wall. A slow-starter, once established it is hardy and drought tolerant, growing in almost any soil conditions and is also salt tolerant and deer resistant.

The mid-summer green foliage remains compact—until its growth spurt in late-summer heat when the three-part seed heads show themselves as the grass takes on a blue-green hue. Big Bluestem’s color shades to bronze-red in fall and maintains this color for winter interest during the cold months. It is the host plant for numerous Skippers including the Arogos, Delaware, and Dusted. It also provides shelter and food for 24 species of songbirds.

Light: Full Sun

Soil: Dry to moist

Height: 5 - 8 feet OR MORE if happy

Blooms: August to October

See more information and photos at: Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center and USDA Plants

Photos from 1. USDA 2. Wikipedia 3,4 Illinois Wildflowers