SafePlants

Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)

Big Bluestem, scientifically known as Andropogon gerardii, is a prominent tallgrass native to much of North America. It's also known by several common names, including turkeyfoot, tall bluestem, bluejoint, and beard grass. The name "turkeyfoot" comes from the distinctive shape of its seed heads, which resemble turkey feet.

Considerations for Pets

• This grass can grow quite tall, sometimes exceeding 6 feet, which may provide hiding places for small animals.
• The seed heads have a distinctive shape, and pets may be curious about them.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Andropogon gerardii
• Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
• Synonyms: Andropogon hallii var. grandiflorus, Andropogon provincialis, Andropogon tennesseensis, Sorghum provinciale

Distribution and Habitat

• Big Bluestem is native to North America and is a major component of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem.
• It is found in a variety of habitats, including dunes, dry prairies, open woods, and dry upland sites.
• Historically, it was a dominant grass throughout the land that became the State of Illinois.
• The grass is also native to the eastern two thirds of the United States, from the mid-western short grass prairies to the coastal plain.

Ecological Role

• Big Bluestem is a dominant grass in the tallgrass prairie ecosystem.
• It is important for erosion control and wildlife habitat.
• It serves as an excellent food source for wildlife and provides shelter.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Big Bluestem is a warm-season, perennial bunchgrass.
• It has blue-green stems that can grow to be 4-10 feet tall.
• The seedhead is usually branched into three parts.
• It has short, scaly underground stems and a strong, deep root system.
• The leaves can be up to 2 feet long and less than 1/2 inch wide, with hairs near the base.
• The grass forms large clumps that expand slowly on short rhizomes.
• Some cultivars, like "Windwalker," are selected for their gray-blue foliage and spectacular fall color, turning coppery red.

Quirky Facts

• Big Bluestem is considered the "ice cream grass" of South Dakota due to its high quality forage for domestic animals.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The leaves are very nutritious for cattle but the grass cannot tolerate overgrazing.
• The grass attracts birds and provides shelter for wildlife.

Further Information

• Britannica.com provides an encyclopedia article about "big bluestem".