Alternate name: Turkeyfoot

Family: Poaceae, Grass view all from this family

Description Big Bluestem is a bunchy, sod-forming grass with blue-green stems 4-8 ft. tall. The seedhead is usually branched into three parts and resembles a turkey's foot. Fall color is maroonish-tan. This is a perennial grass.

Habitat Prairies; swales and lowlands; open woods.

Range Quebec and Maine to Saskatchewan and e. Montana, south to Florida and Arizona; also Mexico.

Discussion Big Bluestem needs some moisture. If used in a garden, too much water and fertilizer can cause it to get top-heavy and fall over. It is moderately acid and saline tolerant and can withstand periodic flooding and high water tables.