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Big bluestem Andropogon gerardii
Poaceae
General Landscape Uses:
Screenings, perennial borders.
Availability:
Available at native plant nurseries in northeast Florida.
Description: Robust, upright, clump-forming grass 5-8 feet tall. Green to blue-green in the summer turning reddish brown in the fall.
Dimensions: Typically 5-8 feet in height.
Growth Rate: Fast.
Range:
Widespread in North America south to Volusia and Orange counties.
Soils: Moist to dry, well-drained sandy soils, without humus.
Salt Water Tolerance: Moderate; tolerates inundation by brackish water.
Salt Wind Tolerance: Moderate; grows near salt water, but is protected from direct salt spray by other vegetation.
Drought Tolerance: High; does not require any supplemental water once established.
Light Requirements: Full sun.
Flower Color: Lavender
Flower Characteristics: Showy.
Flowering Season: Late summer.
References: Mellichamp (2014), Wunderlin and Hansen 2011
Comments: We have been adding data for this species for central and northern Florida and welcome any feedback or review. If you would like to contribute information or images, please contact George Gann via the IRC staff page.
Map of select IRC data from peninsular Florida.
