Splitbeard Bluestem, Silver Bluestem, Paintbrush Bluestem
Appealing in most seasons, Andropogon ternarius (Splitbeard Bluestem) is a warm season perennial grass forming an upright clump of green or reddish, often glaucous stems. Emerging silvery blue-green in spring, the foliage of ribbon-like leaves turns bronze to copper in the fall. In late summer and fall, silvery-white fluffy seed heads are borne along the upper portions of the stems. They are particularly striking when they catch the sunlight. The seeds are eaten by a variety of birds and small mammals, and the seed tufts are used by birds for nesting materials. Native to the central and southeastern United States, Split Beard Bluestem occurs in pine woodlands, old fields, pastures, prairies, on roadsides, and in other dry, open habitats. Perfect for providing height and color to the garden, Splitbeard Bluestem is drought tolerant, requires very little care, is virtually disease and pest free and provides months of interest. This long-lived architectural grass is very ornamental and provides interest throughout the late fall and winter months. It can be used in water-wise landscapes, prairies and wildflower plantings, and as a backdrop to beds of wildflowers. It is an excellent plant for use in wildlife habitats and provides excellent erosion control on slopes. The flowering stems with their seed heads make a lovely cut flower.
Hardiness |
6 - 10 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Ornamental Grasses |
Plant Family | Poaceae |
Common names | Bluestem |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spacing | 24" (60cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, Northeast, Southwest, Southeast, Midwest, Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Kansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas |
Tolerance | Drought, Dry Soil |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage |
Hardiness |
6 - 10 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Ornamental Grasses |
Plant Family | Poaceae |
Common names | Bluestem |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spacing | 24" (60cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, Northeast, Southwest, Southeast, Midwest, Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Kansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas |
Tolerance | Drought, Dry Soil |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage |
How many Andropogon ternarius (Splitbeard Bluestem) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
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Andropogon ternarius (Splitbeard Bluestem) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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