Andropogon ternarius

Common Names

Split Bluestem, Splitbeard Bluestem, Feather Bluestem, Silvery Beardgrass, Paintbrush Bluestem, Silver Bluestem

Summary

Split Bluestem is a native warm-season perennial bunchgrass of the southeastern United States and northeastern Mexico. It forms dense clumps 2–4 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide, with narrow blue-green leaves and silvery-white seed tufts along the stems; fall foliage reddens to copper, red, and bronze, adding visual interest through late summer into fall and into winter. Full sun and well-drained soils, including sandy or sandy-loam types, suit it best, with tolerance of dry conditions and poor soils; drought-tolerant once established and fire-adapted. It is hardy in USDA zones 6–10, with possible winter hardiness in zone 5 with protection. Propagation can occur by division or seed, and stems may be cut back in late winter to encourage new growth, with spacing about 2 feet apart in landscape plantings. Uses include meadow plantings, native wildflower gardens, and habitat restoration, while providing wildlife value through seeds eaten by birds and nesting materials for native bees; it is extremely flammable, so avoidance of planting within defensible space around structures is advised.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-4 feet

Spread

6-12 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 6-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun. Tolerates Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained sandy or sandy-loam soils with low fertility (pH 4.0–7.5)

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil, preferably sandy or sandy loam

Soil pH

4.0-7.5, No single ideal pH, Adaptable to acidic to neutral soils (pH from below 6.0 up to 6.0–8.0)

Bloom Color

Silvery white

Bloom Time

Late Summer to Fall

Foliage Color

Blue-green

Fall Foliage Color

Copper, red, and bronze.

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Medium

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds, attracts pollinators