Big Bluestem Grass
Posted: Thursday, September 24, 2009
by Dennis Sons
tn nursery
Big Bluestem also known as (Andropogon gerardii) is a tall slender grass that is native to many parts of the Mid West and Great Plains . Big bluestem belong to the family known as the Poacaea and is described a monocot. When fully grown the grass can act like a thick screen, hedge of a fence The Big bluestem is a native perennial North American grass that tends to be slight taller than the other native grass species of the prairie.
Big bluestem is not difficult to grow as the grass can tolerate a range of environmental conditions, including varied soil and humidity. When conditions are just right, the grass can grow to a height of 5-10 feet. As the grass matures the stem turns into a deep bluish purple. The seed heads have three spike-like protrusions, which appear like a "turkey's foot".
The roots of the blue stem usually embed deep in the soil and which help anchor the grass securely to the soil. Big bluestem thrives well in any landscape and does outgrow other short grass by shutting off sunlight. Asides from fire or severe drought, big bluestem continues to grow tall.
Most gardeners grow big blue stem for cattle and horse feed. When the grass is dried, it can also be used as hay. The reason bluestem makes good grazing for cattle is because of the high protein content. Big Bluestem is preferred ecological by gardeners as a feed because the grass does not destroy land. Most landscapers use bluestem to make the landscape look natural and pretty.
Growing Characteristics
Big bluestem requires low to medium water and will grow in either full sun or partial shade. The soil must be moist, mildly acidic, but well drained. Period of excess water with flooding do not usually cause any adversity to the grass. Big bluestem is quite drought tolerant because of its deep roots but does require air moisture to bloom pretty seeds. Gardeners should be careful about use of fertilizes as it can cause soil to get heavy and the grass may tip over. The grass tends to grow best in deep soil and when rain is abundant. T he leaf color varies from light blue to green and does become slight brown in late summer. Big Bluestem does have foliage during autumn. Blooms occur in late summer, usually from August to November and do vary in color from red, blue, or brown.
Big bluestem is generally used as an ornamental grass for the landscape. It has nice bluish green foliage with exotic flower heads. In the wild, the grass does provide protection for birds and many insects. The grass may appeal to cattle but deer keep away from it
To propagate big bluestem, the seeds should be collected during Oct or November and divided. Today, there are commercial seed preparations available ready for implantation. The grass does not require a lot of maintenance. It can be mowed in late winter but should not be mowed during the growing season. However, whenever the grass grows wild, mowing may help control its spread.
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