This species is large and robust as bluestems go, with mature plants commonly reaching 6 to 8 feet in height. The rhizomes are short and scaly and the color of the leaves varies from light yellow-green to burgundy. Native americans used big bluestem in a variety of ways, including as a medicine and building material. Plant it in a location with at least partial sun to full sun. Andropogon gerardii, big bluestem , is a native, perennial, warm season grass that occurs from the short grass prairie region to the atlantic ocean. Make sure the soil is well-drained and not highly alkaline. Facts big bluestem is a major component of central north americas tallgrass prairies. For improved germination, stratifythe seeds for one month before sowing to help break the dormancy cycle. Alternatively, big bluestem seeds can be bought from most garden centers and specialty nurseries. Big bluestem can be propagated through division. In late august purplish flower spikes emerge producing distinctive three-parted seed heads. As a general rule, wait until the grass is mature and established before attempting to divide. Although big bluestem. Big bluestem readily produces seeds every year, which can be harvested and planted the following spring. Native from quebec and maine to saskatchewan and montana, and south to texas, this native perennial grass occurs over most of the united states. Eventually the grass will fill even a large container but you can also can plant 2 to 3 grasses together in a large planter that is at least 2 to 3 feet wide and 2 feet deep. See full list on thespruce. com Here are the main care requirements for growing big bluestem grass: · big bluestem has come to represent the north american prairie. Big bluestem is a warm-season grass that greens up during the warmth of late spring. Seeds can be started indoors or sow. Depending on how mature the grass is, the cluster of rhizomes can be very difficult to separate and you may need to use a s. Use clean, sharp gardening shears. This fact sheet contains information on planting and growing big bluestem, andropogon gerardii. In the early spring, as the grass is coming out of dormancy, dig out the roots. Until the grass is established, water it in the absence of rain. Each pollinator plant profile has a bulleted list of information, including the plant’s common and scientific names, its growth habit, plant family, pollinators, and bloom period in oklahoma. The best way to prune big bluestem is to cut back shaggy, old growth in early spring, readying it for warmer weather. The larger the container, the better. Cows love to eat it, but it cannot tolerate overgrazing. It is tufted, forms sod, and has short, scaly rhizomes. · big bluestem forms large clumps with blue-green to silvery-blue foliage that changes to attractive shades of bronze and reddish-copper with the first frost. You can grow big bluestem in pots but it is not ideal because the grass gets tall and wide and topples over easily.
