Big Bluestem Ornamental Grass

Size

• What helps to makes big bluestem grass attractive as an ornamental is its size. The grass matures to heights between four and six feet, with the clumps spreading out as much as three feet. The blades on the stalks vary in length. They can be as short as six inches or as long as two feet. Their width is as much as a ½-inch. Flowers emerge in clusters as long as four inches.

Features

• The leaves of big bluestem grass are its greatest asset. In the spring, they take on a grayish to bluish-green tint but the summer heat turns them green, with a hint of red. As autumn approaches, big bluestem grass changes color again. It becomes a shade of red-bronze but with some lavender tints. Frosts and the advent of winter kill the stems but the leaves turn reddish, bringing color to your property. The flowers develop during the latter portion of summer. They are purple to yellowish-brown and grow at the top of the stems, giving the grass additional height.

Growing Conditions

• Big bluestem grass grows readily when planted in dry or medium-wet soils, as long as the ground drains well. It requires full sun to thrive and this grass grows in many different types of soils. In a moist soil, big bluestem grass flourishes but planting it in dry, infertile soil results in grass that has more tolerance to wind, making it less likely to topple. While it takes time to establish itself, big bluestem grass stands up well to drought once entrenched and is not difficult to maintain.

Uses

• Use big bluestem grass to provide both fall color and winter interest in sections of your landscape. Because of its extensive root system, it can be used to prevent erosion. Locate it in the naturalized areas on your acreage or plant it in wildflower meadows. This species of grass grows tall enough to consider its use as a privacy screen along property lines. Its height makes it suitable for placement behind smaller landscaping plants, such as shrubs or perennials.