Big bluestem has come to represent the North American prairie. Native from Quebec and Maine to Saskatchewan and Montana, and south to Texas, this native perennial grass occurs over most of the United States. Big bluestem is a warm-season grass that greens up during the warmth of late spring. The fall color is representative of the diverse prairie where the range of colors is remarkable. The three-parted seed heads resemble a turkey foot, making it easy to identify the plant. Add this tall, clumping grass to your prairie garden plans or to the back of your perennial border to begin a conversation with garden guests.
Big Bluestem Overview
Where to Plant Big Bluestem
Plant big bluestem in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9. This prairie plant grows in sunny areas and will adapt to clay, loam, and sandy soils. It responds well to moisture when first planted and when conditions are dry but will not thrive in wet soils. Use in mass plantings for erosion control, natural landscapes, or native habitat creation, interplanted with other tall and medium height grasses and perennials.
How and When to Plant Big Bluestem
Big bluestem may be planted whenever the ground is workable, and the plants are available. Plant at the depth grown in the pots. Native plants show growth later than some garden plants, so garden centers may not have them in the spring or early summer. This plant forms clumps and does self-sow when without competition from other prairie plants. It is easy to grow from seeds or transplants.
Big Bluestem Care Tips
Light
Choose a spot in full sun (at least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day).
Soil and Water
Big bluestem is adaptable to sand, loam, and clay soils and drought tolerant. Apply supplemental water to the new plants the first year, being sure that dry soil receives water during the first few growing seasons while the plant develops the deep, fibrous root structure for which it is known.
Temperature and Humidity
Big bluestem handles temperature extremes well, and is adaptable to varying humidity levels. It is a warm season perennial grass, so it does most of its growing during the summer when temperatures are above 80°F.
Fertilizer
Fertilization is not necessary for big bluestem. Its extensive root system is able to find all the nutrients this grass needs to thrive.
Pruning
Cut back to 4 inches in late winter to early spring, before new growth appears.
Pests and Problems
Big bluestem is a caterpillar host to the Delaware and dusted skippers, so you may see feeding damage from these insects. However, the damage from these beneficial pollinators is usually very minimal, so no action needs to be taken. Otherwise, this grass has no significant disease or pest problems.
Types of Bluestem
In the Midwest the plant forms clumps while in Texas it will send out lateral roots, or rhizomes. Regional forms of big bluestem should be used when available.
Brushy Bluestem
Brushy bluestem (Andropogon glomeratus) will tolerate overwatering. In the fall the plant is showy with fluffy, white spires of silky white flowers. In Texas, winter leaf color is coppery orange. The plants grow 5 to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide. This grass also creates useful habitat for birds and butterflies and has high deer resistance. Grow in sun and moist soils. Zones 3-9
Splitbeard Bluestem
Splitbeard bluestem (Andropogon ternarius) freely seeds wherever it is grown. Think twice before planting as it can easily overrun the garden. It is often grown in masses, its silvery white tufts catching the light. The plant grows to 2 feet without supplemental water but can reach 4 feet. It works well as a meadow grass on sandy soils. Zones 6-9
Big Bluestem Companion Plants
Big bluestem plants increase from seed falling close to the plant and can overwhelm a planting when many new plants germinate. Compatible prairie grasses like Indian grass and perennials like New England aster create helpful competition and a balanced planting.
Indian grass
Indian grass (Sorgastrum nutans) grows 3 to 6 feet high and 2 feet wide and adds a dramatic look to the fall landscape with its plume-like long seed head. This large drought resistant prairie grass shows adaptability to different soils and serves as a companion to many prairie flowers. Blue-green summer foliage turns golden in fall.
Little Bluestem
Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) grows to 3 feet high and 2 feet wide and adds beauty and native habitat to gardens. The remarkable blue color tinged with pink creates demand for this plant. Achieve a feeling of the prairie with this shorter grass. Reddish-bronze in fall, the rigid clumps remain upright for most of the winter.
New England Aster
New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) is familiar to many gardeners as it blooms late, August to October, and will sometimes appear without being planted by the gardener. It grows 3 to 6 feet high and up to 18 inches wide.