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Andropogon gerardi
Andropogon gerardi
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Andropogon gerardi

Secure  (NatureServe)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Subfamily: Panicoideae
Genus: Andropogon
Species:
A. gerardi
Binomial name
Andropogon gerardi
Synonyms[3]
List
    • Andropogon chrysocomus Nash
    • Andropogon furcatus Muhl. ex Willd.
    • Andropogon gerardi nothosubsp. chrysocomus (Nash) Wipff
    • Andropogon gerardi var. chrysocomus (Nash) Fernald
    • Andropogon hallii var. grandiflorus Scribn.
    • Andropogon hondurensis (R.W.Pohl) Wipff
    • Andropogon provincialis Lam.
    • Andropogon provincialis var. chrysocomus (Nash) Fernald & Griscom
    • Andropogon provincialis subvar. furcatus (Muhl. ex Willd.) Hack.
    • Andropogon provincialis subvar. lindheimeri Hack.
    • Andropogon provincialis subvar. pycnanthus Hack.
    • Andropogon provincialis var. tennesseensis Scribn.
    • Andropogon tennesseensis (Scribn.) Scribn.
    • Leptopogon furcatus (Muhl. ex Willd.) Roberty

Andropogon gerardi, commonly known as big bluestem, is a species of tall grass native to much of the Great Plains and grassland regions of central and eastern North America. It is also known as tall bluestem,[4] bluejoint,[5] and turkeyfoot.[6]

Taxonomy

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Andropogon gerardi was formally named in 1792 by Fulgenzio Vitman.[2] It was named for French botanist Louis Gérard, who had first described the plant from specimens that had been cultivated in Provence, France.[7]

Kew's International Plant Names Index and USDA Germplasm Resources Information Network reject the spelling gerardii and provide reasoning for gerardi as being the correct spelling for the specific epithet of this taxon.[2][6] Andropogon gerardii still makes appearances in various literature, including other USDA publications.[8]

Description

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Big bluestem is a perennial warm-season bunchgrass. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions. The main roots are 6–10 ft (1.8–3.0 m) deep, and the plants send out strong, tough rhizomes, so it forms very strong sod.[4] Depending on soil and moisture conditions, it grows to a height of 1–3 m (3.3–9.8 ft). The stem base turns blue or purple as it matures.

Big bluestem blooms in the summer and seeds into the fall. The inflorescence (cluster of flowers) is a raceme of two to six, most commonly three, narrow spike-like racemes alternately arranged along the top of the stem.[9] It somewhat resembles a wild turkey's foot.[4] Each raceme contains pairs of spikelets. Each pair has a stalked spikelet with another stalkless spikelet at the base of the stalk. The stalkless spikelet usually has a fertile, perfect floret (with both female and male parts) and an awn (bristle), and the stalked spikelet is awnless, and is sterile or has a staminate (male) flower.

Ecology

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Big bluestem is a mid-successional grass in prairie and other grassland ecosystems. It grows in tall, dense stands that can outcompete other plant species.[10] The stands grow until disturbance interrupts their spread. It is shade intolerant and is adapted to fire.

It is a host to larvae of several species of butterflies, including the arogos skipper, byssus skipper, cobweb skipper, common wood nymph, Delaware skipper, and dusted skipper.[11]

The larvae of the leaf beetle Diabrotica cristata feed on the roots and the adults visit the flowers of other species of prairie flowers.[7] Many ants decorate their nests with the seeds, including Formica glacialis, F. montana, and F. subsericea.[7] Several species of ants, such as F. glacialis, F. montana, F. subsericea, Lasius minutus, and L. umbratus build nests around the base of this bunchgrass, forming large soil mounds. In larger mounds, the nest is shared by multiple species of ants, and is "likened to an apartment complex with each ant species in its own nest partition". Up to 12 species of ants have been recorded in mounds found in the Chicago region.[7]

The rust fungus Puccinia andropogonis forms black telia on the leaves.[7]

Uses

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The grass and its variants are good forage for horses and cattle, and can also be cut and used for hay. The grass is high in protein. While not considered the highest quality native forage found in the United States, it has long been considered a desirable and ecologically important grass by cattle ranchers and rangeland ecologists.[12][13]

Big bluestem is cultivated by specialty plant nurseries for its drought tolerance and native status. It is often grown for wildlife gardens, natural landscaping, and grassland habitat restoration projects.

Due to its high biomass, big bluestem is being considered as a potential feedstock for ethanol production.[14]

Symbols

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Andropogon gerardi is the state grass of Illinois[15] and Missouri[16] and the official prairie grass of Manitoba.[17]

See also

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References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Andropogon gerardii, commonly known as big bluestem, is a tall, , warm-season bunchgrass in the family , characterized by stiff, erect culms reaching 1.5 to 2.5 meters (5 to 8 feet) in height, with short scaly rhizomes, flat or folded leaf blades 15–60 cm (6–24 inches) long, and distinctive seed heads consisting of three spikelets that resemble a turkey's foot. Native to , it features a deep extending 1.5 to 2.4 meters (5 to 8 feet), enabling it to thrive in a variety of soils from deep loams to shallow, rocky, or sandy types, and it exhibits seasonal color changes with blue-green foliage turning burgundy or red in autumn. This grass is a dominant species in the tallgrass prairies of the , extending from the shortgrass prairies of the Midwest to the Atlantic coastal plains and occurring across much of the eastern two-thirds of the continent, from to . It prefers well-drained soils with moderate to low fertility and tolerates a wide range of levels, including acidic conditions, making it adaptable to , open woodlands, and disturbed sites like roadsides and old fields. Ecologically, A. gerardii plays a crucial role in prairie ecosystems by providing high-quality for and , nesting cover for birds such as bobwhite , and through its extensive roots, while also supporting fire-dependent habitats like savannas. Widely used in conservation and restoration efforts, big bluestem is seeded for prairie reconstruction, habitat enhancement, and as a component in mixed warm-season grass plantings for or hay production, with cultivars like '' and 'Champ' selected for specific regional adaptations. It establishes slowly but forms dense stands once mature, requiring management practices such as to maintain vigor and prevent , and it is highly palatable to when grazed at heights above 20 cm (8 inches).

Taxonomy and Classification

Etymology and Nomenclature

Andropogon gerardi was formally described and named in 1792 by the Italian botanist Fulgenzio Vitman in his work Summa Plantarum, using the spelling 'gerardi' to honor the French botanist and physician Louis Gérard (1733–1819), who had earlier contributed to the classification of plants. Although the genitive form of the name would be 'gerardii', the original spelling 'gerardi' is retained as the accepted epithet per standards. The form 'gerardii' appears in some modern publications and floras due to orthographic correction attempts. The genus name originates from the Greek words (meaning "man" or "male") and pogon (meaning "beard"), a reference to the hairy or bearded spikelets characteristic of many species in the genus, which resemble a bearded chin. This etymological descriptor was established by when he coined the genus in 1753. In current taxonomic classification, Andropogon gerardi is placed within the kingdom Plantae, phylum Tracheophyta, class , order , family , subfamily , tribe , genus Andropogon, and specifically in Andropogon section Andropogon. The species has undergone minor taxonomic revisions over time, including synonymy with names like Andropogon furcatus Muhl. ex Willd., but its placement in the core of the genus Andropogon has been consistently upheld in modern phylogenetic studies.

Synonyms and Varieties

Andropogon gerardi has several historical synonyms, including Andropogon furcatus Muhl. ex Willd. and Andropogon provincialis Lam.. Andropogon hallii Hack. is treated as a distinct in contemporary authorities like the Flora of North America, though sometimes regarded as a close relative or synonymized with A. gerardi, particularly as var. paucipilus (Nash) Fern. in older classifications. It differs in rhizomatous growth and adaptation to sandy habitats.. No infraspecific varieties are formally recognized in contemporary taxonomic authorities, such as the Flora of North America.. Earlier classifications occasionally distinguished forms based on awn length or regional morphology, but these distinctions lack sufficient genetic support for varietal status.. Genetic investigations indicate that A. gerardi displays intraspecific , with predominant chromosome counts of 2n=60 (hexaploid), alongside 2n=40, 70, 80, and 100 observed across populations, reflecting whole-genome duplications that contribute to morphological and ecological variation.. This polyploid polymorphism correlates with environmental factors, such as higher levels in drier western regions.. Studies since 2010 using DNA markers, including amplified fragment length polymorphisms and genotyping-by-sequencing, have identified significant among ecotypes of A. gerardi along gradients in the U.S. Midwest, highlighting adaptive differentiation without proposing taxonomic revisions.. Hybridization occurs with closely related taxa like A. hallii, potentially blurring boundaries in sympatric zones, though intergeneric crosses with such as Schizachyrium scoparium remain undocumented..

Morphology and Physiology

Physical Characteristics

Andropogon gerardii is a warm-season bunchgrass that typically reaches heights of 1 to 3 meters, forming robust clumps through short rhizomes. Its is extensive and deep, with main roots penetrating up to 3 meters into the soil, providing strong anchorage and access to deep moisture reserves. The stems are erect, stout, and often , with bases exhibiting to hues due to a waxy bloom; in autumn, they transition to reddish or bronze tones. This rhizomatous growth habit contributes to the formation of dense, sod-like clumps in mesic environments, while appearing more bunch-like in drier conditions. The leaves are flat and linear, measuring 0.5 to 1 cm in width and 15 to 60 cm in length, with a prominent midrib that often causes them to fold lengthwise under dry conditions. sheaths are smooth and overlap at the stem base, while the blades are typically blue-green during the , enhancing the plant's distinctive coloration. The emerges as a terminal branched , characteristically resembling a turkey's foot, with 3 to 7 closely appressed s each 5 to 12 cm long. Each bears paired s approximately 1 cm long, featuring a fertile spikelet with a bent awn of 1 to 2 cm and a sterile counterpart without an awn; the structure darkens from reddish to purplish as it matures. Seeds are small caryopses, typically dispersed in the fall via or attachment to animals, and can maintain viability for up to 24 years when stored under controlled cool, dry conditions.

Growth and Reproduction

Andropogon gerardii, commonly known as big bluestem, is a warm-season grass that employs the C4 photosynthetic pathway, enabling efficient carbon fixation in hot, dry conditions. Growth initiates in spring as buds activate around late March, with tillers emerging and expanding through summer, reaching peak production during this period. Optimal growth occurs at soil temperatures of 25-30°C, with the plant responding to environmental cues such as increased day length and warmth to promote tillering and height development up to 2 meters. Reproduction in A. gerardii occurs both sexually and vegetatively. Flowering typically spans from mid-July to early September, producing wind-pollinated inflorescences that are self-incompatible to promote , though some polyploid populations exhibit apomictic formation. Vegetative spread happens via short positioned 2.5-5 cm below the soil surface, allowing clonal expansion and colony formation. It is a long-lived , with living up to 6 years and persisting 3-5 years, sustained by periodic rhizome renewal and root persistence. Seed production yields seeds from individual florets contributing to the turkey-foot-like panicles; seeds often exhibit that breaks through cold stratification over 30-60 days. requires moist soil conditions and temperatures above 20°C, ideally 25-30°C, with success rates of 50-80% under optimal or field setups, though light exposure is not strictly necessary. This reproductive strategy supports both short-term and long-term persistence in variable tallgrass ecosystems.

Distribution and Ecology

Geographic Range and Habitat

Andropogon gerardii is native to central and eastern , with its range extending from southern (provinces such as , , and ) and the northern and (including ) southward through the to northern and even into parts of as far as . In the , it is native to 43 states, excluding arid far-western states such as , , , , and Washington. This broad distribution reflects its adaptability to diverse ecosystems, where it serves as a key component of native prairies. The species thrives in a variety of habitats, including tallgrass prairies, open savannas, meadows, and disturbed areas such as roadsides and old fields. It prefers mesic to xeric conditions in fertile, well-drained soils like loams, silt loams, and clays, showing tolerance for both sandy and heavier clay textures. A. gerardii performs well across a range of 5.5 to 7.5, accommodating mildly acidic to neutral or slightly alkaline environments, though it exhibits moderate tolerance to and low fertility. Climatically, Andropogon gerardii is suited to USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9, enduring winter lows around -34°C and summer highs up to 40°C. It flourishes in regions with annual of 50 to 100 cm, typical of the belt, and can tolerate periodic once established due to its deep root system. The plant has been introduced in limited areas of and for ecological restoration and trials, though it remains primarily native to its original range. Historically, A. gerardii dominated the pre-European settlement , which originally spanned approximately 775,000 km² across , often comprising 70-90% of the vegetation biomass in these ecosystems. Today, less than 4% of this extensive habitat remains intact due to agricultural conversion and , highlighting the species' role in now-fragmented landscapes.

Ecological Interactions

Andropogon gerardii serves as a mid-successional species in North American prairie ecosystems, where it contributes to community assembly following disturbance. It is shade-intolerant, thriving in open conditions typical of tallgrass prairies, and exhibits strong adaptations to , including basal resprouting from rhizomes after burns and enhanced growth rates in post-fire environments. These traits allow it to dominate in frequently burned landscapes, stabilizing vegetation structure during succession. The species plays a key role in through its extensive root system, which can extend over 3 meters deep, anchoring particles to prevent and enhancing retention in arid or disturbed sites. Additionally, A. gerardii forms symbiotic associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, facilitating cycling and nutrient uptake in nutrient-poor , which supports overall productivity. However, it is susceptible to certain pests and diseases, including rust caused by Puccinia andropogonis, which can reduce foliage health, and infestations that affect plant vigor; despite this, its high silica content in leaves confers resistance to heavy grazing by deterring herbivores. Recent research highlights A. gerardii's contributions to , with aboveground production reaching up to 10 t/ha in productive sites, aiding in soil organic carbon accumulation. In restored , it supports by providing structure, though high dominance can sometimes limit diversity if not managed. Climate change studies indicate potential northward range shifts for the species with warming temperatures, alongside ongoing investigations into its enhanced through ecotypic variations that adjust root allocation and water use efficiency.

Human Uses and Cultivation

Agricultural and Forage Applications

Andropogon gerardii, commonly known as big bluestem, serves as a valuable grass in agricultural systems, particularly for grazing and hay production. It exhibits high for and , with crude protein content ranging from 7% in late fall to 12.9% in , supporting nutritional needs during peak growth periods. yields typically reach 5-10 tons per annually under suitable conditions, making it a productive option for pastures in regions with well-drained soils. Its , derived from extensive root systems, allows integration into mixed pasture systems, enhancing resilience in variable climates. For hay production, big bluestem is harvested at the boot stage to maximize quality, with a recommended stubble height of six inches to promote regrowth and prevent damage. This timing preserves higher protein and digestibility levels compared to later cuts. management is essential, as continuous grazing below six inches can reduce stand longevity and productivity. In bioenergy applications, big bluestem's cellulose content of 35-40% positions it as a candidate for cellulosic ethanol production, with U.S. Department of Energy studies highlighting potential yields of 300-400 gallons per acre from native perennial grasses like this species. The cultivar 'Empire', released in 2023, was selected for high biomass yield, supporting its role in sustainable biofuel feedstocks on marginal lands, where it outperforms some row crops in energy return. Research emphasizes its role in sustainable biofuel feedstocks on marginal lands, where it outperforms some row crops in energy return. Big bluestem contributes to through cover cropping on marginal lands, where its deep roots stabilize soil and reduce on slopes compared to bare ground. Establishment typically involves seeding at 10-20 kg per of pure live seed, often without additional fertilizers in native or low-input soils to maintain ecological balance. This approach supports long-term productivity while minimizing environmental inputs.

Restoration and Ornamental Uses

Andropogon gerardii, commonly known as big bluestem, serves as a foundational species in restoration projects across its native range in . It is frequently included in seed mixes for reconstructing degraded grasslands, where it contributes to and enhancement. Typical seeding rates for big bluestem in these mixes range from 20 to 40 pure live seeds (PLS) per square meter, often combined with other native grasses and forbs to achieve overall densities of 100-200 PLS per square meter. With proper site preparation, such as or application to reduce pressure, establishment success rates for big bluestem exceed 70% in the first few years, leading to robust stands that persist for decades. In ornamental landscaping, big bluestem is valued for its striking blue-green foliage in summer, which transitions to vibrant red, purple, or bronze tones in fall, adding seasonal interest to native gardens and xeriscapes. It thrives in low-maintenance settings with well-drained soils and full sun, reaching heights of 1.5 to 2.5 , making it suitable for borders, accents, or naturalized areas. Popular cultivars include 'Blackhawks', noted for its dark burgundy-purple leaves that intensify in cooler weather, and 'Red October', which displays intense scarlet fall color while maintaining a compact form. These selections enhance aesthetic appeal without compromising the plant's ecological integrity. Propagation of big bluestem can be achieved through or vegetative division, with methods preferred for large-scale restoration. Seeds benefit from 2-4 weeks of cold stratification to improve uniformity; dormant seeding in late fall is recommended to mimic natural cycles. For smaller projects, division involves separating established clumps in early spring and replanting sections to promote rapid rooting. is common for bulk production, where seedlings are started in trays. Contemporary applications of big bluestem extend to urban environments, including green roofs where it supports stormwater management and thermal regulation due to its . It is also integrated into habitats, providing nesting cover for ground-nesting bees and structural diversity in mixed plantings. Post-2020 trends emphasize its role in climate-resilient landscaping, with increased adoption in rain gardens and erosion-control buffers amid rising interest in sustainable urban greening. Establishing big bluestem faces challenges, particularly weed competition during the initial 1-2 years, which can suppress seedling growth. Management strategies such as mowing, prescribed burning, or selective herbicides are essential to favor native establishment, with burning every 2-3 years post-planting promoting vigor and suppressing invasives.

Cultural Significance and Conservation

Symbolic Roles

Andropogon gerardii, commonly known as big bluestem, holds official designations as a state or provincial symbol in several regions of North America. In Illinois, it was designated the official state prairie grass on August 31, 1989, through legislation signed by Governor James R. Thompson, recognizing its historical dominance in the tallgrass prairies that once covered much of the state. Similarly, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, big bluestem was proclaimed the official provincial grass emblem on June 12, 2014, following a public campaign that selected it from native grass candidates for its ecological and cultural representation of prairie heritage. These designations highlight the plant's enduring role as an emblem of native grasslands amid ongoing efforts to preserve prairie landscapes. Historically, big bluestem has served as an icon of North American in environmental literature, notably referenced by conservationist in his seminal work (1949), where he describes its ecological cycle in the essay "," portraying it as a vital component of the prairie that sustains life through nutrient cycling and provision. Leopold's writings underscore the grass's significance in frontier , emphasizing its deep roots and resilience as metaphors for land health and the interconnectedness of biotic communities. This literary symbolism has influenced generations of ecologists and conservationists, positioning big bluestem as a touchstone for understanding prairie dynamics. In , big bluestem appears in traditional uses, though not as a primary resource; for instance, the people employed it in crafting toys and games, while other tribes utilized grasses like it for minor medicinal or structural purposes, such as or simple remedies, reflecting its broader utility in indigenous prairie-based cultures. These applications, documented in ethnobotanical records, illustrate the plant's integration into daily and ceremonial life, albeit secondary to more prominent species. In modern contexts, big bluestem symbolizes conservation and in environmental initiatives, often featured in campaigns to restore tallgrass prairies and promote health; organizations like the Native Prairies Association of describe it as a "strong symbol of a healthy " due to its role in supporting diverse and soil stability. Its prominence in such efforts underscores themes of resilience and ecological restoration across its native range.

Conservation Status

Andropogon gerardii, commonly known as big bluestem, is assessed as globally secure with a NatureServe rank of G5, indicating it is not currently at risk of extinction on a rangewide basis. However, the species faces significant local threats due to extensive habitat loss, with over 99% of the original tallgrass prairie converted to agriculture in key regions such as Iowa. This conversion has resulted in widespread fragmentation of remaining populations, reducing genetic diversity and resilience. Additional pressures include competition from invasive species, such as smooth brome (Bromus inermis), which alter community structure, and disrupted fire regimes due to suppression practices that favor woody encroachment over native grasses. Climate change further exacerbates these challenges by intensifying droughts, which stress the species despite its inherent drought tolerance adaptations across ecotypes. Conservation efforts for A. gerardii emphasize protection and restoration within designated areas, including national grasslands and the region of and , where public lands preserve extensive remnants. The USDA maintains ex situ seed collections through its Plant Materials Centers, releasing germplasm such as OZ-70 for conservation planting to support . Broader restoration initiatives, like those outlined in state plans, target maintaining at least 10% of watersheds in perennial grasslands to bolster recovery, with ongoing projects integrating A. gerardii as a foundational species. Recent breeding programs by the USDA focus on developing resilient cultivars of big bluestem to address and other stressors, with studies from 2023 to 2025 exploring adaptations and interactions for enhanced survival. Legally, A. gerardii itself is not listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, reflecting its secure global status. Nonetheless, associated habitats receive indirect protections through ESA designations for co-occurring , such as the regal fritillary butterfly (Speyeria idalia), which helps safeguard ecosystems where big bluestem dominates. These measures, combined with federal grassland management, aim to mitigate ongoing threats and promote long-term viability.

References

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