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Description
Andropogon Gerardii, commonly known as Big Bluestem Grass, is a tall, warm-season, perennial grass that is native to North America. It is an important component of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem and is also used for forage and erosion control. The plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and has a deep root system that helps it withstand drought and fire. It is also known for its distinctive blue-green foliage and reddish-brown seed heads.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Andropogon |
Appearance
Big Bluestem Grass has a distinctive appearance that makes it easy to identify. The plant has blue-green foliage that turns reddish-brown in the fall. It has a tall, upright growth habit and can grow up to 6 feet tall. The stem of the plant is round and hollow, with nodes that are spaced about 4-8 inches apart. The seed heads are reddish-brown and have a fluffy appearance. The plant also has a deep root system that helps it withstand drought and fire.
Care Guide
Big Bluestem Grass is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for growing and caring for this plant:- Water: Big Bluestem Grass is drought-tolerant and does not require a lot of water. However, it will benefit from occasional watering during periods of prolonged drought.- Fertilization: This plant does not require fertilization, but it will benefit from a light application of fertilizer in the spring.- Soil: Big Bluestem Grass prefers well-drained soil that is not too rich in nutrients. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, sand, and loam.- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Big Bluestem Grass is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Big Bluestem Grass is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to rust, leaf spot, and stem smut. These diseases can be managed by removing infected plant material and applying fungicides if necessary. The plant can also be affected by grasshoppers and aphids, which can be controlled with insecticides if necessary.
Habitat
Big Bluestem Grass is native to North America and is found in a variety of habitats, including prairies, savannas, and meadows. It is an important component of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem and is also used for forage and erosion control. The plant is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and can grow in areas with low rainfall.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Big Bluestem Grass a good plant for erosion control?
A: Yes, Big Bluestem Grass has a deep root system that helps prevent soil erosion and can be used for erosion control.
Q: Can Big Bluestem Grass be used for forage?
A: Yes, Big Bluestem Grass is often used for forage and is a good source of nutrition for livestock.
Q: Does Big Bluestem Grass require a lot of water?
A: No, Big Bluestem Grass is drought-tolerant and does not require a lot of water. However, it will benefit from occasional watering during periods of prolonged drought.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Big Bluestem Grass?
A: Big Bluestem Grass is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that are similar to Big Bluestem Grass:- Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)- Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)- Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans)- Eastern Gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides)
References
– USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Andropogon Gerardii Vitman. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ANGE3- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Andropogon Gerardii. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b575- University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. (n.d.). Big Bluestem. Retrieved from https://arboretum.wisc.edu/trees-and-plants/big-bluestem/
