![]() Flowering stems bring total height of this grass to 4-8' tall (typically at the taller end in moist soils and the shorter end in dry soils). Flowering stems rise in late summer above the foliage clump bearing purplish 3-parted, finger-like flower clusters (to 4" long) purportedly resembling turkey feet (hence the additional common name of turkeyfoot grass for this species). It features an upright clump of stems with flattened leaves (to 2' long and 3/8" wide) which emerge gray to blue green in spring, mature to green with red tinges in summer and turn reddish bronze with lavender tones in autumn after frost. It may be grown as an ornamental grass because of its attractive foliage which changes color seasonally, its good architectural height and its interesting flower/seed heads. This action may degrade the appearance of the grass.Andropogon gerardii, commonly called big bluestem grass, is a tall, Missouri native, perennial, warm season grass that was the dominant grass of the tallgrass prairie which once covered large parts of the Midwest. While you can decrease the spreading seeds before they mature, you should be careful when plucking off seed heads. During the spring, cut off any rogue shoots from the growing area. When the seeds are dispersed, they can take root in some unwanted spaces. You should watch out for the seed pods that can spread throughout your yard. With this schedule, you will not rid your landscape of valuable food and shelter for the local birds. Pruning should be done in the early spring. You may need to cut this grass when it starts to get too long for your space. Once it is established, you will only need to stick to a weekly watering schedule.Īs the Little bluestem ages and matures, it will start to curl. You should moderately water this grass as it adjusts to your terrain. When this grass is establishing itself in your landscape, it will need a little more water. ![]() This native grass is very tolerant of droughts, and it excels in areas with constant sun and dry air. However, the Little bluestem does need well-draining soil for the best results. Whether you have fertile ground or hard soil, this native grass can adapt to those areas. The perennial grass can live in a wide range of soil conditions. You can grow this native grass in just about any place in the United States. This native grass thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 10. It is resistant to most diseases and pests. The Little bluestem grass is extremely durable. The texture of this plant can be the ideal accent for other border shrubs. A few tufts of the Little bluestem and other prairie grasses create the perfect mixed border. When the seasons change, your landscape dazzles with a show of beautiful texture and color. ![]() Several plants can line a pathway to make a rugged border along your property. If you want to create a mass planting in your landscape, you cannot go wrong with this perennial grass. Its seeds also provide food for these little creatures. The dense foliage offers protection for birds and small mammals from the weather. ![]() Along with that, the Little bluestem grass benefits other types of wildlife. It will bloom later than most plants, and it provides a great source of food when most flowers are spent for the growing season. For pollinator gardens, the Little bluestem is an outstanding choice. ![]() You can place several of these pots around your porch or patio to create a welcoming space. Since this clustered grass grows upright, it would be an excellent selection for those container gardens. ![]()
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