Description

Andropogon gerardii,
Big Bluestem (Native)

Tall, 6 – 8 ft., robust, perennial, warm-season bunchgrass, (sod forming with short rhizomes). Does best on deep, well drained fertile soils. Moderately acid and saline tolerant. Excellent forage, very palatable and productive. One of the most wide-spread and important grass species of the tall-grass and mixed-grass prairies. Important species for range, pasture, watershed and wildlife habitat improvement as well as mining and related reclamation. Minimum precip. is 18 inches. Plant in summer ½ – ¾ inch deep. 130,000 seeds/lb.

Named Releases: ‘Bison’ adapted to northern climates (ND)

‘Champ’ (NE, IA),‘Kaw’ (KS),‘Pawnee’ (NE)

USDA: Plant Profile | Plant Guide | Fact Sheet