Sand Bluestem
(Andropogon hallii)
Sand Bluestem (Andropogon hallii)
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Matt Lavin
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Matt Lavin
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Matt Lavin | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0 | Uploader: Stickpen | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Andropogon_hallii_1.jpg |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Andropogon hallii, commonly known as Sand Bluestem, is a deciduous perennial grass native to the Great Plains and prairies of the Central USA and Canada. It is not typically found in forests or riparian areas. This species is well-adapted to open, dry environments and is often a dominant species in sandy soils, particularly in areas with less than 30 inches of annual rainfall. Sand Bluestem forms robust tufts and can reach up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) in height, displaying feathery, silver-blue inflorescences that are particularly showy in late summer and fall.
Sand Bluestem is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to stabilize sandy soils, making it an excellent choice for erosion control and restoration projects. It is also used for ornamental purposes in naturalistic landscaping and as a forage grass in pastureland. This grass thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established, preferring soils with fast drainage. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Sand Bluestem is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to stabilize sandy soils, making it an excellent choice for erosion control and restoration projects. It is also used for ornamental purposes in naturalistic landscaping and as a forage grass in pastureland. This grass thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established, preferring soils with fast drainage. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 3-5 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to the Great Plains and prairies of the Central USA and Western Canada
Other Names
Common Names: Hall’s Beardgrass, Prarie Bluestem, Turkeyfoot, Hall’s Beardgrass, Hall’s Bluestem, Turkey-Foot, Barbon De Hall
Scientific Names: , Andropogon hallii, Andropogon gerardii subsp. hallii, Andropogon gerardii var. paucipilus, Andropogon paucipilus, Andropogon geminatus, Andropogon hallii var. muticus, Andropogon gerardii var. incanescens, Andropogon hallii var. bispicatus, Andropogon hallii var. flaveolus
GBIF Accepted Name: Andropogon hallii Hack.