Origin
Andropogon gerardii Vitman var. incanescens (Hack.) Boivin, also known as Big bluestem, is a native North American prairie grass. It is found in the central and eastern regions of the United States, from the Great Plains to the Gulf Coast.
Common Names
Big bluestem is the most common name for Andropogon gerardii Vitman var. incanescens. Other names include Turkeyfoot, Buffalo grass, and Bluejoint.
Uses
Big bluestem has several uses. It is popular for its ornamental value and is often used in native plant gardens and landscaping. It is also an essential component of prairie ecosystems, providing food and habitat for various wildlife species.
Additionally, Big bluestem has historically been used for medicinal purposes in certain Native American cultures. It is said to have anti-inflammatory properties and was used to treat various ailments, including respiratory infections and fever.
General Appearance
Big bluestem grows up to 8 feet tall, with a distinctive three-parted seed head that resembles a turkey's foot. Its stems are tall, stiff, and upright, with leaves that may grow up to 1 inch wide and 2 feet long. The foliage is bluish-green in color and turns reddish-brown in the fall. When viewed as a whole, the plant has a bushy appearance and forms dense clumps, making it a valuable plant for erosion control.
Light Requirements:
Andropogon gerardii Vitman var. incanescens (Hack.) Boivin prefers full sunlight for optimum growth and development. It can tolerate partial shade, but this may lead to slower growth and weaker stems.
Temperature Requirements:
This plant is native to tallgrass prairies in the central and eastern regions of North America, and it is adapted to a wide range of temperatures. It can tolerate hot summers and cold winters and can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 30 degrees Celsius).
Soil Requirements:
Andropogon gerardii Vitman var. incanescens (Hack.) Boivin usually grows in well-draining, sandy or loamy soils and does not tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soils. The soil pH can vary from slightly acidic to alkaline, ranging from 6.0 to 8.0. It can tolerate drought and low soil fertility, but it grows best in rich soils with regular watering.
Cultivation
Andropogon gerardii Vitman var. incanescens (Hack.) Boivin, commonly known as big bluestem, requires a sunny location with well-drained soil for optimal growth. It is a warm-season grass, meaning it grows actively during late spring and summer, so it is best planted in late spring after the risk of frost passes.
Watering
Big bluestem is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering once established. However, during periods of extended drought or extreme heat, it may need additional moisture, especially if it is growing in a container or a sandy soil that dries out quickly. Water the plant deeply once a week or whenever the soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Big bluestem is a native species that is adapted to the soils and environmental conditions of its native range, which means it rarely requires fertilization. However, if the soil is particularly poor or the growth appears stunted, a light application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth appears may be helpful. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to weak and floppy growth.
Pruning
Big bluestem is a low-maintenance grass that does not require much pruning. In late winter or early spring, before new growth appears, you can trim the old stems down to about 6-8 inches above the ground to remove any dead or damaged plant material. This will encourage new growth from the base and promote stronger, more upright stems. However, avoid pruning too much or too often, as this can weaken the plant and reduce its overall vigor.
Propagation of Andropogon gerardii Vitman var. incanescens (Hack.) Boivin
Andropogon gerardii Vitman var. incanescens (Hack.) Boivin, commonly known as big bluestem, is a warm-season grass that is native to the central and eastern United States. It grows up to 8 feet tall and is commonly used in prairie restorations, conservation plantings, and in ornamental gardens.
Propagation methods
Andropogon gerardii Vitman var. incanescens can be propagated by both seed and vegetative methods.
Propagation by seed
Seeds of big bluestem can be collected in early fall when the seed heads have turned brown. The seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place until ready to plant. They can be planted directly in the ground in the fall or spring, or they can be started indoors and transplanted outside in the spring.
Propagation by vegetative methods
Big bluestem can also be propagated by division or stem cuttings. Division should be done in early spring before new growth begins. The clumps can be carefully dug up and divided into smaller sections, and then replanted in their new location.
Stem cuttings can also be taken in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from the lower part of the stem and should include a few nodes. The cuttings can be planted directly in the ground or in a pot with a well-draining soil mix.
Regardless of the propagation method chosen, it is important to keep the soil moist until the plants become established.
Disease and Pest Management for Andropogon Gerardii Var. Incanescens
Andropogon gerardii Vitman var. incanescens (Hack.) Boivin, commonly known as Big bluestem, is a grass species that is widely cultivated as a forage crop and ornamental plant. However, like other crops, the plant is susceptible to various diseases and pests that may affect its growth and yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Big bluestem and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Brown patch
Brown patch is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and roots of Big bluestem. Symptoms of brown patch include circular or irregular-shaped patches on the leaves that turn brown or yellow. The disease favors high temperatures and high humidity, which are common in the summer. To manage brown patch, avoid overhead watering, improve air circulation, and remove infected plant debris. Fungicides can also be used to treat the disease.
Leaf spots
Leaf spots are caused by fungal pathogens that infect the leaves of Big bluestem. Symptoms of leaf spots include circular or irregular-shaped lesions that can be tan, gray, or brown. The spots may have a dark border, and the infected leaves can eventually die and fall off. To manage leaf spots, remove infected leaves and debris, avoid overhead watering, and provide adequate air circulation.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the stems, leaves, and seedheads of Big bluestem. Symptoms of anthracnose include brownish-black lesions on the leaves and stems, which can cause the plants to die. To manage anthracnose, avoid overhead watering, improve soil drainage, and remove infected plants. Fungicides can also be used to treat the disease.
Pests
Armyworms
Armyworms are the larvae of moths that feed on the foliage of Big bluestem. Symptoms of armyworm infestation include stripped leaves, and the worms can completely defoliate the plants if left untreated. To manage armyworms, handpick the worms, spray with insecticidal soap, or use biological control agents such as parasitic wasps.
Mites
Mites are tiny arachnids that suck the sap from the leaves of Big bluestem. Symptoms of mite infestation include yellow or white speckles on the leaves, which can turn brown and cause the leaves to drop. To manage mites, spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, provide good air circulation, and avoid using nitrogen fertilizers that can promote mite infestations.
Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers are herbivorous insects that feed on the leaves and stems of Big bluestem. Symptoms of grasshopper infestation include chewed leaves and stems, and the insects can completely defoliate the plants if left untreated. To manage grasshoppers, handpick the insects, use insecticidal soap or spinosad, or use biological control agents such as parasitic wasps.
By adopting effective disease and pest management strategies, it is possible to minimize the damage caused by the various diseases and pests that affect Big bluestem. Proper cultural practices such as implementing crop rotation, providing adequate irrigation and fertilization, and selecting disease-resistant varieties can also help to reduce disease and pest problems.
