★ Andropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem)

https://coloradoplants.jeffco.us/plant/details/58

BIG BLUESTEM - Andropogon gerardii

IDENTIFICATION

Common Name:BIG BLUESTEMMeaning:seedhead is usually branched into three parts and resembles a turkey’s foot.Other Names:turkeyfootScientific Name:Andropogon gerardii Derivation:from Greek, andro - man, pogon - beardFamily:Poaceae - GrassFamily Detail:alternate family name - Gramineae; non-woody plants with parallel leaves; roots fibrous (all portions of the root system being well branched an of equal thickness); stems round, often hollow; leaves alternate (one leaf per node - joint of the stem where the leaves join stem), simple (not divided into many similar parts); flowers in tiny spikes (unstalked flowers along a main axis), flowers usually with 2 feathery stigmas (pollen-receiving part of the female organ) and 3 stamens (male or pollen-bearing organ).Species Detail:flower cluster three-parted, resembling an upside-down turkey foot.Mature Height:to 8 feet.Leaf Type:simple (not divided into similar parts)Leaf/leaflet Shape:linear (flat and narrow with parallel margins).Fruit Type:caryopsis or grain (small, dry, indehiscent - does not open upon maturity - fruit with a thin wall surrounding and fused to a single seed).

ECOLOGY

Origin:nativeFrequency:commonGrowth Form:graminoid (grass-like)Life Cycle:perennialGroup:angiosperm (plant with covered seed).Subgroup:monocot (plants with one seed leaf and parallel veins).Season of Bloom:summer to fall (Jun. - Oct.).Life Zone:plainsHabitat:valleysEcology:one of the dominant species in the heavy clay soils of the tall-grass prairie ecosystem; provides cover for at least 24 species of songbirds and nesting site or seeds for Grasshopper Henslow’s and other sparrows as well as nesting sites for Sedge Wren and Western Meadowlark; also attracts butterflies.

LANDSCAPING

Use:attractive bronze fall foliage, warm season grass, high deer resistance.Moisture:low but can withstand periodic flooding and high water tables.Light:sun to partial shade.Soil:moderately acid and saline tolerant.