Image of Andropogon gerardi
Source: USFWS Mountain-Prairie
image of Grass
Andropogon gerardi
Big Bluestem
Barbon de Gérard

Obsolete Names

tall bluestem
turkeyfoot
barbon à épis digités
barbon de Gerard
barbon fourchu
No seeds available for this plant.
We currently accept seeds for this plant
Bloom colour: Green Bloom period: Jun - Sep
Max Height: 7.0 feet
Max Width: 3.0 feet (spreads by rhizome)
Light condition:
Full sun More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Part shade More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Moisture dry Tolerates dry soil condition
Moisture medium Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan: Perennial plants that will that come back year after year
Gardener Experience:
beginner friendly Suitable for beginner gardeners
does not spread Does not spread uncontrollably
plant self seeding Self-seeding
Landscape uses:
rock garden Suitable for rock gardens
rain garden Suitable for rain gardens
Ecological Benefits:
Bird friendly Supports birds
Pollinator garden Supports pollinators
Tolerates:
drought Tolerant Tolerates drought conditions
Deer Resistant Deer resistant
rabbit resistant Rabbit resistant
limestone Tolerant Tolerates limestone conditions
sand Tolerant Tolerates sandy conditions
juglone Tolerant Tolerates juglone conditions
transplantation Tolerant Tolerates transplantation
Special Features and Considerations:

Plant Location

Native to Ottawa region: Yes

Distribution according to VASCAN

Distribution: Andropogon gerardi
Ephemeral Native Introduced Excluded Extirpated Doubtful Absent
View taxonomy on Canadensys

View on iNaturalist

Thrives in Ecozones

  • Boreal Plains
  • Prairies
  • Mixed Wood Plains

Ecological Benefits

Butterflies Supported by Andropogon gerardi

  • Atrytonopsis hianna (Dusted Skipper)

Specialized Bees Supported by Andropogon gerardi

No bee data available for this plant.

Plants that grow in similar conditions, that bloom at the same time.

Complementary Plants

Substitute For Non-Native Plants

  • Miscanthus (Silvergrass)
  • Cortaderia selloana (Pampas Grass)
  • Phalaris arundinacea (Reed Canary Grass)

Sowing Information

Download Sowing Label (PDF)
  • Sowing depth: Sow just below surface
  • Sow anytime
  • Stratification duration: 0 days
  • Self-seeding
  • Notes: Can be sown in late spring in warm soil.

Harvesting and Seed Sharing

  • Harvest start month: October
  • Harvesting indicator: Seeds easily fall off when you gently pull them off
  • Harvesting mean: Use hand to detach from main stem
  • Seed viability test: No test needed before donating
  • Packaging measure: A dozen (12) seeds (eyeball)
  • Seed storage: Air dry in paper bag or open container, for a few days until crisp, shaking seeds to move them once in a while to prevent molding
  • At least one cultivar: Yes, do not donate unless you know source, and there are no known cultivars in your garden or at proximity
  • No harvesting video available at this time.

Toxicity Notes

Inadequate information on toxicity found.