For centuries, if not millennia, Andropogon gerardii, dominated America’s tallgrass prairies. It’s largely been replaced there by other grasses like Zeamays and Triticumaestivum, a.k.a. corn and wheat.

But “big bluestem” is adaptable. It found new homes.

Tough and self-reliant, Andropogon became a go-to plant for reclaiming damaged soils. And thanks to modern breeding, it’s increasingly welcome as an ornamental, especially in gardens dedicated to indigenous plants. Here are some of our faves. 

All are hardy in Zones 3 – 9. Each has its own unique virtues, personality and spectacular fall color. If you haven’t yet grown this sturdy genus, you owe it to yourself – and your customers – to expand your grass repertoire.

‘Holy Smoke’, Batman! Very erect flower stems rise from basal foliage that turns to gorgeous purple and pink in fall.

‘Blackhawks’ delights with bright green new foliage and stems that quickly turn rick purple/red for a striking blended bicolor look. 

‘Dancing Wind’ puts on a late-summer red/green bicolor show, turning to dark red and finally scarlet. 

The Game of the Names

The genus name Andropogon combines the Greek andros and pogon, or “man beard.” The “beard” is the hairlike threads on the flower spikelets.

The specific epithet A. gerardii honors Louis Gerard (1733-1819), French physician and botanist. 

If you like ‘em native and you like ‘em tough, you’ll love Andropogon. No need to prowl the prairie: They come in beefy, fast-finishing 38-cell liners from Emerald Coast Growers – your easy choice!