grassN. America Native

Splitbeard Bluestem

Andropogon ternarius

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

36 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived perennial

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Andropogon ternarius is a clump-forming, warm-season perennial grass native to the southeastern United States. It features fine-textured, blue-green foliage that provides a soft, upright element in the landscape. This grass is most celebrated for its fluffy, silvery-white seed heads that appear in late summer and persist through winter. The foliage turns a beautiful coppery-orange to bronze in autumn, providing multi-season interest.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Splitbeard Bluestem is a star in the autumn and winter garden. Its combination of coppery fall foliage and luminous, fluffy seed heads creates a stunning visual display, especially in mass plantings or when backlit by the sun.

Its deep, fibrous root system makes it an excellent choice for erosion control on dry, sunny slopes and for use in low-maintenance, water-wise landscapes. The dormant clumps also provide excellent texture and structure in the winter garden.

This native grass provides food and cover for wildlife. Birds, especially sparrows and juncos, eat the seeds in winter. It also serves as a larval host plant for several skipper butterfly species.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun
Ensure the soil is well-drained; it tolerates poor, dry soils
Dig a hole slightly larger than the container
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is at soil level
Backfill with soil and water in well
Water occasionally during the first season, then it becomes very drought tolerant

Pro Tip

Plant it where the late afternoon sun can backlight the silvery seed heads for a spectacular glowing effect.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for the strongest stems and best color
Leave the foliage and seed heads standing for winter interest
Cut back old growth in late winter before new shoots emerge
Plant in groups or masses for the best visual impact

Don't

Do not overwater or plant in poorly drained, wet soil
Avoid fertilizing; it thrives in lean soils and fertilizer can cause flopping
Don't plant in shade, which leads to weak, floppy growth
Do not divide the clumps too frequently

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Luminous accent in prairie plantingsFine-textured massing for dry slopesWinter interest in perennial borders

Companion Plants

Schizachyrium scoparium Echinacea purpurea Liatris spicata Solidago speciosa Rudbeckia hirta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Splitbeard Bluestem questions

What zones can Splitbeard Bluestem grow in?

Splitbeard Bluestem is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Splitbeard Bluestem deer resistant?

Yes — Splitbeard Bluestem is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Splitbeard Bluestem bloom?

Splitbeard Bluestem typically blooms in late summer through mid-fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Splitbeard Bluestem need full sun?

Splitbeard Bluestem does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Splitbeard Bluestem drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Splitbeard Bluestem handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.