Over the past half-year we’ve been talking about perennial native vines, highlighting some of the great Midwestern twiners.  For the rest of the year, I’d like to switch focus to a group of Midwestern plants that are iconic to our native landscape--prairie perennials.  As you probably have guessed if you follow this column, perennials are the most diverse group of plants in the Midwest.  They are classified into three major groups: Prairie, Woodland and Wetland, depending on their preferred environment.  Given the warming planet we live in, we’ll take a look at those guys that do best in full sun in upland prairies or meadows.

Big bluestem Andropogon gerardii was one of the first flora to greet European settlers as they pressed across the vast plains of the Midwest, being one of the grasses of the tallgrass prairie.  It is native to most of North America from the Rockies to the Atlantic seaboard.  It is hardy throughout the Midwest, suitable for zones 4 through 9.  One caution though when you are purchasing seed or plants.  Make sure that you have a variety from the region in which you intend to plant it.  Southern varieties tend not to flower in northern regions, having a different climatic rhythm.  So, when purchasing seed, it is best to turn to a Northern Midwestern nursery.   

Big bluestem does best in full sun, as we have said, but will get along in partial shade.  It prefers rich loam but will grow in poorer, drier soils albeit to a lesser height.  Once established, it is remarkably drought resistant.  Also, it has few pests and requires little care. It usually is easiest to grow from seed.  Some recommend cutting back the old stems in late winter, before new growth appears.  Although I prefer to leave my plantings alone.  It’s mostly a matter of aesthetics.

Big bluestem works best in natural landscapes or in prairie restorations.  It readily reseeds so with time it will form dense plantings.  It will grow to 3 to 8 feet, depending on soil conditions and moisture.  Keep in mind that big bluestem will compete successfully with other prairie plants, crowding them out in a couple of seasons, if densely planted.  

A stand of big bluestem can be quite elegant.  The tall flowering stems are usually topped with a triple inflorescence.  This three-pronged flowering resembles a Turkey Foot, thus giving the grass it’s alternate name.  A steel blue to purple stem supports the flowering.  Come fall, you can expect a warm gold to orange-russet coloration, perfect for harvest home!