Description

Andropogon glomeratus, Bushy Bluestem, Native Grasses, Perennial Grass Plugs

Botanic Name (s): Andropogon glomeratus

Common Name(s): Bushy Bluestem

Size Notes: 2 to 5 tall.
Leaf: Green or blue-green. Copper in winter.
Autumn Foliage: yes
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 3-6 ft.

Bloom Color: White , Brown
Bloom Time: Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov

Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Moist , Wet
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Clay, Loam, Sand; Moist, moderately disturbed, relatively sterile soils. Poor drainage all right, even preferred. Tolerates salinity.
Conditions Comments: Full sun and moisture essential

Use Ornamental: Good as a handsome bunchgrass for moist, low-lying areas, with year-round color
Use Wildlife: Seeds eaten by granivorous birds and small mammals. Provides nesting material for birds. Provides good cover for small animals. Winter food for prairie chickens, field sparrows, juncos, and other song birds.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Attracts: Birds , Butterflies
Larval Host: Skippers, Satyrs
Deer Resistant: High

Provides Nesting Materials/Structure for Native Bees

It gives food, shelter, and nesting material to wildlife and attracts birds and pollinators. Little Bluestem requires nearly full sun for upright growth and looks best when cut back in late winter or early spring, allowing new leaf blades to fill in.

Big blue is commonly used in erosion control plantings; although it is sometimes slow to get started. Once it has been established, however, it provides excellent stability for sandy areas. This species is also a good native choice for grazing forage and is very palatable to livestock.

Andropogon glomeratus, Bushy Bluestem, Native Grasses, Perennial Grass Plugs

See all available native Grasses.