SafePlants

Splitbeard Bluestem (Andropogon ternarius)

Splitbeard Bluestem, scientifically known as Andropogon ternarius, is a native, warm-season perennial bunch grass admired for its beauty and ecological benefits.

Common Names

• Split Bluestem
• Silver Bluestem
• Paintbrush Bluestem

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Andropogon ternarius Michx.
• Synonyms: Andropogon argyraeus
• Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
• Tribe: Andropogoneae
• Plant Symbol: ANTE2

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the Eastern half of the US, including Florida.
• Frequently found growing with Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) in southeastern areas.
• Thrives in sunny, dry locations, including meadows and open woodlands.
• Prefers sandy soils and tolerates infertile, sandy, and clay soils.
• Found in dry pinelands, turkey oak scrub, and old fields.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Perennial bunch grass with a bunching growth habit.
• Grows to a height of 2 to 4 feet (0.5 - 1.0m).
• Foliage is blue-green in summer, turning copper, red, and bronze in the fall.
• Ribbon-like leaves are often purplish.
• Silvery-white seed tufts catch the light.
• Summer flowering grass.
• Foliage is refined, yet the plant is sturdy.
• Flowers borne on paired, hairy racemes.
• Narrow blue-green foliage turning copper-red-bronze in fall, approximately 24-30 inches tall.

Ecological Role

• Provides benefits to wildlife.
• Seeds are eaten by several species of birds and mammals.
• Plants used by wildlife for cover.
• Deer resistant.

Further Information

• USDA Plants Database entry for Splitbeard Bluestem
• Discover Life's page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Andropogon ternarius