Andropogon gerardii Poaceae
Common name: Big bluestem
About this species:
Andropogon gerardii is a dominant grass in the tallgrass prairie in North America. This species is a perennial, warm-season bunchgrass.
- Poaceae. A. gerardii is in the grass family, and is one of the dominant grasses the prairie
- Perennial. Plants grow and resprout from clumps.
- Reproduction. A. gerardii reproduces both by seed and rhizomatously.
- Unusual seed dispersal. The fruits may be able to travel along the ground with a hygroscopic awn, with the daily fluctuation of humidity.
- Wind pollinated. Like other grasses, A. gerardii is pollinated through the wind.
- Self compatibility. Unknown.
- Phenology. A. gerardii, a warm-season grass, tends to flower in mid July, with seeds ripening in late summer.
The USDA plant profile page for Andropogon gerardii.
Team-members who have conducted research on this species:
