Big Bluestem plant profile
Andropogon gerardii
A perennial grass for full sun.
Last updated .
When to plant
When to plant Big Bluestem
Big bluestem is a warm-season perennial prairie bunchgrass. Illinois Extension notes it makes most of its growth and flowers in the heat of summer, so plants and seed are best established in spring before that growth flush. Site it where it can be edged or mowed around so it does not crowd neighbors.
The calendar shows this cited seasonal window as an approximate band. It does not convert the season into frost-adjusted dates.
Open Big Bluestem in my garden calendarShows the source-backed planting season, not frost-adjusted dates.
Growing conditions
- Sun
- Full sun
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
Next steps
Continue with Big Bluestem
Evidence trail
Evidence behind this profile
Original extension and institutional publications behind the planting, care, and safety facts on this page.
- Big Bluestem
Illinois Extension (University of Illinois), Illinois Grasses. Supports general reference. Checked 2026-06-18.