Dream Landscaper
Sign inGet Started

← Back to What Grows

Andropogon gerardii (big bluestem), Calamovilfa longifolia (prairie sandreed), Sorghastrum nutans (Indiangrass), and Bromus inermis (smooth brome) are common along roadsides and in relatively undisturbed settings where prairie species are n

Photo: Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA (CC BY-SA 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons

Grassesmoderate water

Big Bluestem

Andropogon gerardii

Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) is a landscape plant valued for its form and structure as much as its bloom. It reaches roughly 7 ft at maturity and blooms in summer. Match it to full sun to part shade and water on a normal schedule until it is established. One caveat: like any plant, its published range is a guideline, not a guarantee, for the specific microclimate of your yard. Given a spot that matches its light and water needs, it is a dependable, low-drama addition to the yard.

See live prices from nurseries

Want it planted for you?

Join the list and we will match you with a local pro who can source and plant Big Bluestem at the right time of year.

Have a pro plant it

Where to buy Big Bluestem

Live listings from independent Shopify nurseries. Prices come straight from each store; add to your cart here and pay the store directly at checkout.

Add a ZIP to see only what ships to you

Hardiness range

A hardiness zone is not on file for this plant yet, and a ZIP-level fit check is not available for it.

How it does in your yard

HabitNot recorded
Hardiness zoneNot recorded
Mature heightAbout 7 ft
Watermoderate
Bloom periodSummer
Native to the USNot recorded
Toxicitynone

Related plants

Questions

Is Big Bluestem native to the United States?

USDA PLANTS data does not record Big Bluestem as native to the United States.

What USDA hardiness zone does Big Bluestem need?

A minimum hardiness zone is not on file for Big Bluestem yet.