Big Bluestem
Grasses
Big Bluestem
Andropogon gerardii Vitman
Longevity: Perennial
Palatability: High
Winter Hardiness: Good
Drought Tolerance: Good
Cool or Warm Season: Warm
Use and Comments: High-yielding, warm season pasture and hay
Distribution in U.S.: Great Plains and Midwest
Height: 3-8 feet
Inflorescence: Raceme; "turkey foot" shaped
Culm: Round
Leaves: Greenish-blue cast; young shoots somewhat flattened at the base; base of lower leaf blade and sheath covered with silky hair
Drainage: Moderately Well Drained
Fertility: Low-Medium
pH: 5.4-6.2
Color: Greenish-gray brown
Shape: Caryopsis a pointed column; spikelet keel-shaped with two rachillas attached
Other Characteristics: Rachillas pubescent; lemma awned
Pounds per Bushel: 8 Bearded, 25 Debearded
Seeds per Pound: 165,000
Seeding Rate: 10-12 pounds PLS per acre
Seeding Date (Indiana): Apr 15 - May 30
Emergence Time (Days): 28
Optimum Germ. Temp. (F): 60°-85°
Longevity: Perennial
Palatability: High
Winter Hardiness: Good
Drought Tolerance: Good
Cool or Warm Season: Warm
Use and Comments: High-yielding, warm season pasture and hay
Distribution in U.S.: Great Plains and Midwest
Height: 3-8 feet
Inflorescence: Raceme; "turkey foot" shaped
Culm: Round
Leaves: Greenish-blue cast; young shoots somewhat flattened at the base; base of lower leaf blade and sheath covered with silky hair
Drainage: Moderately Well Drained
Fertility: Low-Medium
pH: 5.4-6.2
Color: Greenish-gray brown
Shape: Caryopsis a pointed column; spikelet keel-shaped with two rachillas attached
Other Characteristics: Rachillas pubescent; lemma awned
Pounds per Bushel: 8 Bearded, 25 Debearded
Seeds per Pound: 165,000
Seeding Rate: 10-12 pounds PLS per acre
Seeding Date (Indiana): Apr 15 - May 30
Emergence Time (Days): 28
Optimum Germ. Temp. (F): 60°-85°
