Andropogon gerardii
Big Bluestem
Grown from seed (NJ ecotype)
Perennial warm-season bunch grass; 4-8ft tall
Blue-green foliage turns red-bronze in autumn and lasts through winter; seedheads in the shape of turkey feet, hence its alternative common name “turkeyfoot”
According to USDA, one of the most palatable native warm-season grasses for livestock, though short-lived when utilized for cattle grazing due to its evolution alongside migratory bison
Due to its extensive root system, highly valued for its soil stabilization and erosion control
Host plant to the Northern Pearly Eye, Common Wood Nymph, Cobweb Skipper, Dusted Skipper, Indian Skipper and Delaware Skipper
Valuable nesting site for both queen bumble bees and birds in winter; attracts meadowlarks, wrens, ground nesting birds, and game birds
Spreads somewhat aggressively in ideal conditions via seed and rhizome; can be easily divided in spring
Big Bluestem
Grown from seed (NJ ecotype)
Perennial warm-season bunch grass; 4-8ft tall
Blue-green foliage turns red-bronze in autumn and lasts through winter; seedheads in the shape of turkey feet, hence its alternative common name “turkeyfoot”
According to USDA, one of the most palatable native warm-season grasses for livestock, though short-lived when utilized for cattle grazing due to its evolution alongside migratory bison
Due to its extensive root system, highly valued for its soil stabilization and erosion control
Host plant to the Northern Pearly Eye, Common Wood Nymph, Cobweb Skipper, Dusted Skipper, Indian Skipper and Delaware Skipper
Valuable nesting site for both queen bumble bees and birds in winter; attracts meadowlarks, wrens, ground nesting birds, and game birds
Spreads somewhat aggressively in ideal conditions via seed and rhizome; can be easily divided in spring
Big Bluestem
Grown from seed (NJ ecotype)
Perennial warm-season bunch grass; 4-8ft tall
Blue-green foliage turns red-bronze in autumn and lasts through winter; seedheads in the shape of turkey feet, hence its alternative common name “turkeyfoot”
According to USDA, one of the most palatable native warm-season grasses for livestock, though short-lived when utilized for cattle grazing due to its evolution alongside migratory bison
Due to its extensive root system, highly valued for its soil stabilization and erosion control
Host plant to the Northern Pearly Eye, Common Wood Nymph, Cobweb Skipper, Dusted Skipper, Indian Skipper and Delaware Skipper
Valuable nesting site for both queen bumble bees and birds in winter; attracts meadowlarks, wrens, ground nesting birds, and game birds
Spreads somewhat aggressively in ideal conditions via seed and rhizome; can be easily divided in spring
Details
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Green, Blue, Red, Bronze
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Summer
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4-8’
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Dry, Medium, Wet
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Full, Partial
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Northern Pearly Eye
Common Wood Nymph
Cobweb Skipper
Indian Skipper
Dusted Skipper
Delaware Skipper -
FACU - usually occurs in non-wetlands, but may occur in wetlands
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No cold stratification required