Andropogon gerardii - Big Blue Stem
Andropogon gerardii - Big Blue Stem - Photo courtesy of Sean James Consulting & Design
Andropogon gerardii - Big Blue Stem - Fall Colour - Photo courtesy of Sean James Consulting & Design

Big Blue Stem

Andropogon gerardii

Also called Turkey Foot Bluestem

  • Dense, slightly arching clump of blue-green leaves
  • Leaves turn a bronze-red in the fall and colour remains through the winter months
  • Three-pronged burgundy-purple seed heads are held on sturdy stems
  • Seed heads start to appear in late summer and persist through fall
  • Bloom Time: Early autumn into winter
  • Flower Height: 200 cm
  • Foliage Height: 150 cm
  • Grass Type: Warm Season

ZONE:
3

COLOUR:
Burgundy

HEIGHT:
150-200 cm

SPREAD:
60-100 cm

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Growing and Maintenance Tips:


Grows best in an average to dry, well-drained soil, in full sun, tolerating drought, once established. Thrives in summer heat and humidity. This plant should be cut back in the spring to make way for new growth.  

Additional Notes about Big Blue Stem:


Native to Ontario

Warm Season Grasses: These grasses are much slower starting in the spring. They do not push new growth until temperatures warm in early to midsummer.  They flower later in the summer or fall with most blooms remaining into the winter. Most warm season grasses tolerate heat, humidity and drought; some even thrive in these conditions.

THESE PLANTS

work well with Andropogon gerardii