tall prairie grass. Individual seed heads often have three spikelets that look like a turkey foot. Big bluestem is a native grass and one of the main components of the tallgrass prairies that once covered Illinois. Northstar Tart Cherry. It is found from the mid-western short grass prairies to the coastal plain, where it naturally serves as fuel for periodic fire. Landscaping: Big Bluestem is used in wildflower meadows and prairie plantings. Big bluestem does not require regular fertilization and is well-adapted to grow in poor soil conditions. Try to use a local ecotype if possible when restoring native vegetation in an area. Seeding rate for big bluestem ranges from 4 to 12 pounds per acre, depending on future use. Crookneck Squash. This plant can be weedy or invasive according to the authoritative sources noted below.This plant may be known by one or more common names in different places, and some are listed above. This grass adds a pop of color to a landscape all year round—transitioning from bright green in the spring, to a blue-ish green in the summer, and a fiery copper/red in the fall months. A decoction of the roots is used in the treatment of stomach-aches and flatulence. Sow the seeds at ¼ to ½ deep and keep the seeds consistently moist until they sprout. States are colored green where the species may be found. It is highly adaptable to a range of soil conditions, from sandy soils to clay soils, as long as they are well-draining. But here’s the thing: big bluestem waves out gorgeous tributes, but it doesn't make for great pasture. Andropogon gerardi, known commonly as big bluestem, turkeyfoot, tall bluestem, and bluejoint, is a tall grass native to much of the Great Plains and grassland regions of central and eastern North America. It is a hardy grass that grows up to 10 feet tall, with thick roots that grow to between 6 to 10 feet deep. Bluestem can be used in the restoration of native vegetation in agricultural or pasture areas. Big bluestem is difficult to incorporate into smaller gardens due to its immense size, but it makes an excellent screen along fence rows and yard boundaries! When grown as an ornamental grass, fertilizing is an optional step but certainly not required. It can grow up to eight feet tall and prefers moist, loamy soils. Then, seeds can be started indoors or sown directly in the garden in late winter or early spring. USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9 are ideal for big bluestem. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board, Big bluestem, turkey foot, tall bluestem, bluejoint. Some examples including the Delaware Skipper, Ottoe Skipper and Cobweb Skipper. Big bluestem can be propagated through division and by seed (see below for how to grow big bluestem from seed). Be sure to check with your local authorities before seeding big bluestem to ensure that planting this grass in your area is allowed. Texas Redbud. These seed heads resemble turkey feet, which led to one of its other common names—turkey foot grass. US Forest Service, FM-RM-VE Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. It is also effective as a rear border or accent in native plant gardens. The name refers to the three-pronged flowering spikes resembling a turkeyÛªs foot. Livestock: Big bluestem is one of the most palatable warm season grasses and is preferred over It’s one of the most important prairie grass species and provides high quality forage of all types of livestock. Alternatively, big bluestem seeds can be bought from most garden centers and specialty nurseries. Native plant gardens 2, Fig mature plants commonly reaching 6 to 8 feet in height creating most. 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