big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)

Andropogon: from Greek andros, meaning "man's," and pogon, meaning "beard," probably because of the hairy appearance produced by the seed heads by the sterile glumes

gerardii: for Louis Gerard, French botanist from late 1700's to early 1800's who was the first to describe this species

Habitat: FAC-, full sun; dry, moderate moisture, to wet; prairies; in sandy, loamy soil

Status: Native; frequently found in restored and demonstration prairies throughout the region. The foundation of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem.

Plant: perennial, 5'-8' tall grass, growing in clumps

Flower: blooms Aug.-Oct.

Associates: Aster ericoides, Andropogon scoparius, Helianthus rigidus, among many others

c-Value: 5

Distinguishing feature: hairy appearance of glumes, 2 or three purple colored "turkey feet" inflorescences.

Below: Line drawing featuring 2 and 3 parted "turkey feet", SUPPLIER: USDA NRCS PLANTS Database,, http://content7.eol.org/content/2009/04/20/22/35558_large.jpg

Below: Typical clump of A. gerardii plants in a tallgrass prairie in Iowa, SUPPLIER: USDA NRCS PLANTS Database, http://content8.eol.org/content/2009/04/20/22/59013_large.jpg