Characteristics: 

Andropogon ternarius is a perennial grass that forms tufts of branches reaching from 1.5 to 4 feet in height. Emerging along the branches are racemes of pubescent, feathery, paired spikelets about 2 inches in length. This split and hairy nature of the spikelets is what gives them the common name, splitbeard.  Of the pair, one is fertile, with an awn about 1 inch in length, and the other is sterile. In the fall, the branches turn vivid hues of orange, purple, and red and strikingly contrast with the silvery hairs of the inflorescence

They are common in abandoned fields throughout the southeastern region of the United States. In the ecological succession of a field turning into a forest, andropogon ternarius comes after annual and perennial plants, and just before pines shade them out. Primarily found in plains, prairies, meadows, savannahs, and open woodlands, they provide shelter and next making material for native bees. 

Cultivation:

Stems may be cut back in winter after going to seed. They thrive in sandy soil. Their tough and resilient root systems are ideal for preventing erosion. Once a major staple of North American tallgrass prairie and provided structure for the soil with its root systems, foraging material for livestock, and food and habitat for wildlife. 

Andropogon ternarius Splitbeard Bluestem

Family: Poaceae 

Type: Perennial

Height: 1.5’ - 4’

Spread: 6’’-12”

Bloom: brown, August to October

Water: dry to medium

Sunlight: Sun to part shade

Soil: well drained, sandy or gravelly

Propagation: Seeds, root division

Tolerates: drought

 Plant Communities