Rank Species | Genus Andropogon Higher classification Andropogon | |
Similar Sorghastrum nutans, Grasses, Andropogon, Schizachyrium scoparium, Old switch panic grass | ||
Minnesota native plant big bluestem andropogon gerardii
Andropogon gerardi, known commonly as big bluestem, turkeyfoot, tall bluestem, and bluejoint, is a tall grass (family Poaceae) native to much of the Great Plains and prairie regions of central North America and grasslands, savannas and woodlands throughout eastern North America.
Contents
- Minnesota native plant big bluestem andropogon gerardii
- Andropogon gerardii big bluestem
- Description
- Ecology
- Agriculture
- Landscaping
- Biofuel
- Symbols
- References
Andropogon gerardii big bluestem
Description
This species is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions. Depending on soil and moisture conditions, it grows to a height of 1–3 metres (3.3–9.8 ft). Big bluestem is a perennial bunchgrass. The stem base turns blue or purple as it matures. The seed heads have three spike-like projections. The roots are deep, and the plants send out strong, tough rhizomes, so it forms very strong sod. It blooms in the summer and seeds into the fall.
Ecology
Big bluestem is a mid-successional grass in prairie ecosystems. It grows in tall, dense stands that shade out other plant species. The stands grow until disturbance interrupts their spread. It is shade intolerant, but typically regrows after wildfire.
Agriculture
The grass and its variants are good forage for horses and cattle, and can also be cut and used for hay. The grass is high in protein. 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 rangeland ecologists.
Landscaping
Big Bluestem is cultivated by specialty plant nurseries for its drought tolerance and native status. It is often grown for wildlife gardens, natural landscaping, and grassland habitat restoration projects.
Biofuel
Due to its high biomass, big bluestem is being considered as a potential feedstock for ethanol production.
Symbols
Andropogon gerardi is the state grass of Illinois and Missouri and the official prairie grass of Manitoba.
