A wonderful, colorful selection of our native prairie grass, Holy Smoke Big Blue Stem Grass, Andropogon gerardii, brings all the beauty of the plains with its majestic leaf blades and fascinating flower clusters. In spring, its stiff 4-6′ foliage matures to amazing silver accented with smoky purple and red highlights. In late summer, flowering stems rise above the foliage bearing distinctive purple 3-parted, finger-like flower clusters that remind many of turkey feet, hence its other common name, Turkeyfoot Grass. Showy seeds follow the flowers.

This magnificent long-lived grass can be used in many uses, including screening, as a hedge, dramatic focal point, and background for other perennials, planted in large containers, naturalizing, prairie restoration, and as nesting materials for birds and animals.

Known as “Monarch of the Prairie,” our native Big Blue Stem Grass was once the dominant grass of the Midwest tallgrass prairie. It is very easy to grow and adapts to a wide range of soil and moisture conditions. It requires full sun, at least 6 hours a day, although if you get hot afternoon sun, you can get away with a little less.

Plant in full sun. Slow to establish, keep Big Blue Stem well-watered for the first couple of years to nurture its large root system. Once established, it is very drought tolerant and needs little to no care.