Description · Read The Land · Planting Tips · When the early European explorers marveled at the ocean of grasses that came up to their horses' flanks, they were talking about a landscape richly endowed with colonies of this magnificent grass. Big Bluestem grows to a height of 3 to 4 feet, and its' roots may reach a depth of up to 12 feet. Grazing animals will almost always choose this grass in preference to others; and as a result of farming and careless range management practices, it has all but disappeared from most of its original habitat. · Natives Are FriendlyEarly settlers crossing the p

It is one of the dominant grasses of the Tall Grass Prairies, and is also frequent in native grasslands in all of the states east of the Mississippi. Big Bluestem grows best in medium to moist soils and in full sun.

Big Bluestem is a warm season grass; it actively grows during the summer when soil temperatures are warm.  It is a big plant, getting over six feet tall in most situations.  In a landscape it can be used as an accent, but it can be aggressive so is not recommended for small spaces.  It has great fall color in the range of gold and pink.  Big Bluestem is the host to many insects, including Northern Pearly-eye, Common-Wood Nymph, Ottoe Skipper, Cobweb Skipper, Dusted Skipper, Delaware Skipper, Arogos Skipper, and Indian Skipper. This well-known prairie staple plays an extremely important role in