Description
Despite the common name, big bluestem grass looks nothing like little blue stem grass, which explains why it is not in the same genus. We don’t see it all that much here in southern Maine. When I do see it, it is growing here and there along the sandy shoulders of roads. Big blue stem is a warm season, clump forming grass, so it won’t start growing until mid-late May. True to its name, it grows to about 3-10 feet tall, depending on soil conditions. I have never seen it more than 3-4 tall in this area.
I was in Pittsburg PA last year (2023) and I was elated to see so much big blue stem growing out there. It was growing in habitats where little blue stem grows here in Maine; wide open fields and clearings, road sides, full sun, low soil fertility, with often sharp drainage. The roots are said to extend 6-10 feet down, its thick fibrous roots makes very tough sod. This is an important mid-successional species of tall grass prairies of mid western North America. It’s definitely at the far eastern edge of its range here, but it grows well enough to earn it a place in your garden, show-casing our wonderful native grasses!
5 gallon pot size for $35 each
