Andropogon ternarius – Splitbeard Bluestem(B&B.DR.DRGHT.H.HMR.M.OP)

Ecosystem Services:
(B)-Birds                                             (B&B)-Birds & Butterflies

(BTF)-Butterflies                             (BW)-Black Walnut Resistant

(DR)-Deer Resistant                      (DRGHT)-Drought Resistant

(EC)-Erosion Control                    (EVR)-Evergreen

(FC)-Fall Color                                 (FRG)-Fragrant

(GRD)-Groundcover                      (H)-Host plant

(HMR)-Hummingbirds                (M)-Mammals

(MTH)-Moths                                   (N)-Nectar

(NB)-Native Bees                            (NST)-Nesting Material

(OP)-Other pollinators                 (RR)-Rabbit Resistant

(SHWY)-Showy                                (SPC)-Specimen Plant

Splitbeard Bluestem is a native ornamental warm-season perennial bunchgrass in the Poaceae family. It grows up to 3 feet tall with a 2-foot spread. It is found in meadows, plains, and in open woodlands, often in sandy soil. It grows in full sun but can tolerate some shade. Well-drained soil is preferred as a sandy loam with low fertility.

Summer foliage is a silvery blue-green that turns copper, red, and bronze in the fall. From late summer through fall, fluffy, silver seed heads catch the sun. It looks beautiful in many settings, including meadows, cottage gardens, woodland areas, and when planted en masse.

Host plant for the Common Wood-Nymph caterpillars. Adult butterflies feed on rotting fruit and flower nectar. It is also a host plant for various Skipper butterflies.