Big Bluestem
Andropogon gerardii
Family: Poaceae or Gramineae
What it is like
Native to the Great Plains and prairie regions of central North America and grasslands, savannas and woodlands throughout eastern North America Andropogon gerardii/Big bluestem is a tall grass in the Poaceae family with some medicinal properties. Common names include big bluestem, turkeyfoot, tall bluestem, and bluejoint.
Andropogon gerardii is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 2
Where it is found
Dry soils, prairies, open ground and open woods.
Eastern and Central N. America - Maine to Saskatchewan, south to Florida, Arizona and Mexico.
Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant is analgesic, carminative and diuretic. A decoction of the roots is used in the treatment of stomach-aches and flatulence. A tea made from the leaves is used as a wash to relieve fevers and general debility.
Analgesic: Relieves pain.
Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Other
Rating: 2
Good forage for horses and cattle, and can also be cut and used for hay. A desirable and ecologically important grass by cattle ranchers and rangeland ecologists. Due to its drought tolerance it is used in wildlife gardens, natural landscaping, and grassland habitat restoration projects. A potential feedstock for ethanol production.
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
How it is grown
Requires a light porous sandy soil in full sun. A very ornamental plant, it forms large clumps, spreading by short stolons. The plant is heat tolerant in zones 7 through 1. (Plant Hardiness Zones show how well plants withstand cold winter temperatures. Plant Heat Zones show when plants would start suffering from the heat. The Plant Heat Zone map is based on the number of "heat days" experienced in a given area where the temperature climbs to over 86 degrees F (30°C). At this temperature, many plants begin to suffer physiological damage. Heat Zones range from 1 (no heat days) to 12 (210 or more heat days). For example Heat Zone. 11-1 indicates that the plant is heat tolerant in zones 11 through 1.) For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is a clumper with limited spread. The root pattern is fibrous dividing into a large number of fine roots.
Propagating it: Seed - surface sow in early spring in a greenhouse. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on for the first winter in a cold greenhouse. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
This plant can be weedy or invasive. Some concern in Illinois, USA.