Sand Bluestem
Andropogon hallii
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
Matt Lavin (www.flickr.com)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Andropogon
- Species:
- Andropogon hallii
- USDA Symbol:
- ANHA
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 200 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- silver, purple
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Faronta diffusa, Olivia's buckmoth (Hemileuca oliviae)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- tan, bronze
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Tolerates fire; resprouts from rhizomes after burning.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, nutrient-poor, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- commonly found in prairies and sand dunes
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold moist stratification for 30-60 days to improve germination.
Pre-treatment: Dry storage of spring germinating seeds
Source: npn.rngr.net
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Bamert Seed (seeds)
- Native Seed Group (seeds)