Andropogon gerardii
Barbon de Gerard, big bluestem
1-3 m, often glaucous.
glabrous or pilose;
ligules 0.4-2.5 mm;
blades 5-50 cm long, (2)5-10 mm wide, usually pilose adaxially, at least near the collar.
usually only terminal;
peduncles with 2-6(10) rames;
rames 5-11 cm, exserted at maturity, usually purplish, sometimes yellowish;
internodes sparsely to densely pubescent, hairs 2.2-4.2 mm, usually white, rarely yellowish.
spikelets 5-11 mm, scabrous;
awns 8-25 mm;
anthers 3, 2.5-4.5 mm.
spikelets 3.5-12 mm, usually well-developed and staminate.
= 20, 40, 60 (usually), 70, 80.
Andropogon gerardii
Andropogon gerardii grows in prairies, meadows, and generally dry soils. It is a widespread species, extending from southern Canada to Mexico, and was once dominant over much of its range. It is frequently planted for erosion control, restoration, or as an ornamental; the records from Washington and central Montana reflect such plantings. It hybridizes with A. ballii, the two sometimes being treated as conspecific subspecies.
(Discussion copyrighted by Flora of North America; reprinted with permission.)
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