big bluestem

Andropogon gerardii

Agassiz Interpretive Trail

characteristics

Considered the dominant grass of Tallgrass Prairie. Name comes from the dusty blue colour of the underside of the blades but this grass could be called "rainbow grass" as its colour is highly variable and it turns scarlet, orange, yellow, purple — just about every colour except blue — in the fall. Maroon coloured seed heads turn brown in the fall. Weathers to a pale copper colour. Thrives during hot summers.

144,240 seeds/pound; starts from seed, container, or root.

habitat

Roadsides and fields; well-drained sites.

uses

Cover and winter/spring seed source for junco, finch, sparrow and small mammals.
Forage grass.
Reduces soil erosion with deep roots: as long as 4.5 m (14 ft).
Beautiful ornamental cut grass.