Return to list

© Denver Botanic Gardens

big bluestem
Andropogon gerardii


  Fort Collins

Dimensions
Height: 1.5 ft. to 5.0 ft.
Spread: 2.0 ft. to 3.0 ft.
Growth Form
Grass/Grass Like
Program Association
Nature in the City
Wildlife Uses
Grassland Birds, Large Mammals, Pollinators/ Invertebrates, Riparian Birds, Shrubland Birds, Small Mammals, Wetland Birds, Woodland Birds
Sun Requirements
Full Sun
Water Requirements
Very Low, Low
Plant Community
Foothills, Plains
Season of Bloom
July, August, September
Flower Color
Inconspicious
Leaf Color
Blue Shades, Green Shades, Red Shades
Aggressiveness
Not aggressive
Design Considerations
Drought Tolerant, Fall Color, Winter Interest
Other Considerations
Deer Tolerant
Duration
Perennial
Natural Landscape Position
  Fort Collins Model
1, 2, 3
Soil Type
Nutrient Poor, Shallow, Variable, Well Drained
Pests/Disease Prone
No
Hazards/Toxic
No City Data.

Notes

This is an important larval food host for many of our native invertebrates. 


Andropogon gerardii is native most of the U.S., except for the northwest, California, and Nevada. In Fort Collins, big bluestem can be found growing naturally in the foothill Natural Areas. Plants are drought tolerant but, will need more water to flower.