Big Bluestem
Andropogon gerardii — Grass Family
A native perennial grass in the Grass Family that blooms in late summer suited to dry, sunny conditions.
Planting Guide
When to plant
Plant in spring or early fall. Plants may not bloom until their second year when grown from seed.
Spacing
Space plants 1.5–2.0 feet apart. Closer spacing fills in faster and suppresses weeds; wider spacing gives each plant room to reach full size.
Root system
Roots reach at least 48 inches deep at maturity. Plant the crown at or just below soil level — the deep root system is why this species handles drought well once established.
Growing Conditions
Sunlight
Full sun — 6 or more hours of direct sunlight per day. This species does not tolerate shade and will thin out or fail to bloom in shadier spots.
Soil & pH
Prefers a wide pH range from acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.5). Most average garden soils fall in this range; a quick soil test confirms your starting point.
Watering
Low water needs. Water weekly for the first growing season to establish roots. After establishment, natural rainfall is usually sufficient except during extreme drought. Once established (typically 1 season), it shows strong drought tolerance and can go extended periods without supplemental water.
Seasonal Care
- Cut back dead stems from last year to 2–3 inches above ground as new growth emerges.
- Top-dress with a thin layer of compost to support the season's growth.
- Established plants rarely need supplemental water; deep, infrequent watering beats shallow, frequent watering.
- Allow flowers to set seed — the seed heads provide winter interest and feed birds.
- Leave stems and seed heads standing through fall and winter to support overwintering insects and birds.
- Divide or transplant in early fall (6 weeks before first frost) for best establishment.
- Leave the plant standing — hollow stems shelter native bees and other beneficial insects overwinter.
- The seed heads attract finches and sparrows through the coldest months.
- No mulching is needed for established plants; a thin layer of leaves is fine around the crown.
Wildlife & Garden Value
Ecological benefits
- Late-season bloomer — one of the last nectar sources before frost. Essential for monarch butterflies migrating south and native bees building winter fat reserves.
- Grass or sedge — the dense clumps provide nesting cover for ground-nesting birds and small mammals. The seed heads are a high-calorie food source for sparrows and finches in winter.
Landscaping uses
- Dry slope or hell strip planting where irrigation is difficult or unavailable.
- Rock garden or gravel garden specimen; excellent for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Back-of-border accent or screening plant. Tall enough to anchor larger planting beds.
- Meadow or prairie restoration planting. Naturalizes readily in open, sunny sites.
- Four-season garden interest — combines attractive late bloom with persistent seed heads and fall foliage color.
Companion Planting
Plants that grow well together
Planting three or more species together attracts a wider range of pollinators and reduces weeding through canopy cover.
Where to Buy Big Bluestem
Buy from specialist native plant nurseries to get the true species rather than a cultivar with reduced wildlife value.
- American Meadows — native seeds and plants
- Prairie Moon Nursery — specialist native plant nursery
- Burpee — seeds with planting instructions