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Andropogon gerardii 'Pawnee' (Big bluestem, turkeyfoot)

Andropogon gerardii ‘Pawnee’ Photo/Illustration: Scott Vogt



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Andropogon gerardii 'Pawnee' an-dro-PO-gon jer-AR-dee-eye Common Name: Big bluestem, turkeyfoot Genus: Andropogon
From the prairies of Nebraska comes a refined variety of big bluestem: 'Pawnee'. It has an upright habit and warm fall colors that persist into winter. Each stiffly vertical stem has the characteristic bluish purple cast of this genus. In late summer, 'Pawnee' develops purplish red flowers in groups of three or six, which resemble the foot of a turkey—hence its nickname: "Turkey Foot Grass." Big bluestem has an extensive root system that can extend down more than 10 feet. Each year, a third of these roots die, opening up channels for water.
 Noteworthy characteristics: This plant is drought tolerant once it's established.
 Care: Likes full sun and fertile, well-drained soil.
 Propagation:

 Divide in spring or sow seeds after danger of frost.


 Problems:

This grass doesn't care much for a lot of winter moisture, but other than that, problems are infrequent.
Height 3 ft. to 6 ft.;6 ft. to 10 ft.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Dry to Medium;Medium Moisture
Maintenance Moderate
Characteristics Showy Seed Heads
Bloom Time Early Fall; Fall; Late Summer; Summer
Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage
Flower Color Purple/ Lavender Flower; Red Flower
Uses Screening
Style Beds and Borders, Meadow Garden
Seasonal Interest Winter Interest, Fall Interest
Type Grasses,Natives

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