Andropogon gerardii

Andropogon gerardii is a grass native across the southeast. It is naturally found in a wide range of habitats, and tolerates soils that are slightly wet to dry. It grows best in full sun. This grass grows up to eight feet tall (hence the common name of Big bluestem), and leaves that transition from blue to red over the course of the growing season. It has thin, fairly inconspicuous flowers that bloom in the summer. Birds eat the seeds in the fall and winter. It is fairly resistant to deer. It also provides cover for wildlife. This is a host plant for several native butterfly species. Andropogon gerardii works well for restoration projects.