Elliott's Bluestem

Anatherum gyrans

Elliott's Bluestem

Shaun Pogacnik

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Anatherum
Species:
Anatherum gyrans

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
4-6 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov
Bloom Colors:
White, Green

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy loam soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to open grasslands and rocky areas

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: De-tufted seed is planted into round cell greenhouse flat liners with 38 cells per flat that have been filled with coarse processed bark and composted pine bark growing medium. Seed is surface sown at a rate of 3-5 seeds per cell and lightly covered with starter sized, 1/16" - 1/8" diameter, granite poultry grit to combat damping off diseases. Prepared flats are lightly hand watered to slightly moisten the growing medium and cold stratified at 35 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of 21 days.

Source: npn.rngr.net