Splitbeard Bluestem

Andropogon ternarius, Poaceae

Zones

6–10

Layer

Ground Cover

Lifespan

Perennial

Growth

Moderate

Guild Roles

Ground CoverMulch MakerBeneficial Insect Habitat

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (preferred)Partial Shade (tolerated)

Water

Low (established)Moderate (seedling)

Soil pH

5 – 7.5

Tolerances

Drought

Frost

Heat

Pest Resistance

Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Narbon VetchVicia narbonensis

Nitrogen Fixation

Silky Prairie CloverDalea villosa

Nitrogen FixationBeneficial Insect Habitat

Silverleaf ScurfpeaPsoralea argophylla

Nitrogen FixationBeneficial Insect Habitat

Black Prairie CloverDalea frutescens

Nitrogen FixationBeneficial Insect Habitat

Tangier PeaLathyrus tingitanus

Nitrogen FixationPhysical Support

Pilipiliula GrassChrysopogon aciculatus

Pest DeterrentBeneficial Insect Habitat

Spurred Butterfly PeaCentrosema virginianum

Nitrogen FixationBeneficial Insect Habitat

Atlantic PigeonwingsClitoria mariana

Nitrogen FixationBeneficial Insect Habitat

Flat PeaLathyrus sylvestris

Nitrogen FixationPhysical Support

Trailing Bush CloverLespedeza procumbens

Nitrogen FixationNurse Plant

Smut GrassSporobolus indicus

Pollinator SharingBeneficial Insect Habitat

Antagonistic Plants

Roundleaf CassiaChamaecrista rotundifolia

Tall bluestem grasses create dense canopies and produce allelochemicals that suppress understory legumes

Slender IndiangrassSorghastrum elliottii

Related tall grass species compete for same soil nutrients and growing space in prairie ecosystems

Uses

Functions

Soil StabilizationBiomass ProductionCarbon SequestrationFire ManagementWildlife Habitat

Common Questions

What zones does Splitbeard Bluestem grow in?

Splitbeard Bluestem grows in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 10.

What are good companion plants for Splitbeard Bluestem?

Good companions for Splitbeard Bluestem include Narbon Vetch, Silky Prairie Clover, Silverleaf Scurfpea, Black Prairie Clover, Tangier Pea.

Design guilds with Splitbeard Bluestem and see companion relationships visually.

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