Andropogon ternarius, commonly known as Splitbeard Bluestem, is a deciduous perennial grass native to prairies, open woodlands, and savannas in the South Central and Southeastern USA. It forms dense tufts of branching stems that can reach heights of 120 to 150 centimeters. The distinctive inflorescence features pairs of feathery racemes, with each pair consisting of one fertile and one sterile spikelet, both covered in long, silvery hairs that catch the light, adding a unique texture to the landscape. Flowering occurs in late summer to fall, adding visual interest during these seasons.

Splitbeard Bluestem is valued for its adaptability to poor soils and its drought tolerance, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalized areas. It is also used for erosion control and as a forage grass. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers soils with fast drainage. While it requires low amounts of water, it can tolerate more moisture if drainage is adequate. This grass is also beneficial to wildlife, providing habitat and food for birds and insects.CC BY-SA 4.0