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‘Pawnee’ Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii ‘Pawnee’): Upright Grass with Turkey-Foot Seed Heads

‘Pawnee’ big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii ‘Pawnee’) is a refined selection with upright habit, bluish-purple stems, and warm fall colors persisting into winter. In late summer, purplish-red flowers appear in groups of three or six, resembling a turkey foot. Its deep root system (over 10 feet) improves soil structure. Drought-tolerant once established; attracts birds and butterfly larvae.

Care

Light: Full sun.
Soil: Fertile, well-drained.

Propagation & Problems

Divide in spring or sow seeds after frost danger. Dislikes excessive winter moisture; otherwise problem-free.

Quick Reference

Height	3–6 ft.
Spread	1–3 ft.
Growth Habit	Clumps
Growth Pace	Moderate
Light	Full Sun
Moisture	Dry to Medium
Maintenance	Moderate
Features	Showy seed heads
Bloom Time	Early Fall, Fall, Late Summer, Summer
Flower Color	Purple, Red
Foliage Color	Colorful/Burgundy
Uses	Screening, Beds, Borders, Meadow Garden
Type	Grasses

Other: Vetiver Grass (Andropogon zizanioides): Adaptable Ornamental with Sunset Foliage; Calamintha nepeta: Lesser Calamint for Pollinators; Cyclamen hederifolium: Hardy Fall-Blooming Cyclamen for Shade; Dalea frutescens (Black Dalea): Drought-Tolerant Southwest Native Shrub; Pincushion Hakea (Hakea laurina): Fall/Winter Cut Flowers from Australia; Common Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana): Native Fall-Blooming Shrub; Ilex decidua: Possumhaw Holly with Bright Red Winter Berries; Leucanthemella serotina: Late-Blooming Daisy for Fall Gardens; Rosa 'Radrazz': Knock Out® Rose; Big Bluestem: The Majestic Native Grass for Year-Round Impact

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