Andropogon gerardii

From Coastal Plain Plants Wiki
Revision as of 12:59, 22 May 2018 by Acsnyder (talk | contribs) (Ecology)
Jump to: navigation, search
Andropogon gerardii
Andropogon gerardii AFP.jpg
Photo by the Atlas of Florida Plants Database
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Tracheobionta
Class: Liliopsida - Moncots
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Andropogon
Species: A. gerardii
Binomial name
Andropogon gerardii
Vitman
ANDR GERA DIST.JPG
Natural range of Andropogon gerardii from USDA NRCS Plants Database.

Taxonomic Notes

Synonyms: Andropogon gerardi Vitman, Andropogon provincialis Lamark, and Andropogon furcatus Muhlenberd ex Willdenow

Varieties: none

Description

Also known as big bluestem, A. gerardii is a native perennial graminoid that is a member of the Poaceae family. It is tufted, and contains short, scaly rhizomes. It is known for being a tall graminoid, ranging from 6 to 8 feet tall, and is very leafy at the basal region with some leaves that are carried up on the stem [1].

Distribution

A. gerardii is distributed across the United States and Canada, but not past New Mexico or Montana [1].

Ecology

Habitat

Big bluestem can be found in prairies, open woods, along riverbanks, meadows, and even roadsides. It is particularly abundant in lowland prairies and sandy areas [1].


Phenology

A. gerardii flowers from August until October [2].


Conservation and Management

Cultivation and restoration

Photo Gallery

References and notes