Big Bluestem is the iconic tallgrass prairie grass that once covered the American heartland. Reaching six feet or more, its distinctive three-pronged seed head resembles a turkey's foot. It turns rich copper and burgundy in autumn, and its deep root system — which can extend fifteen feet underground — makes it extremely drought-tolerant and crucial for prairie carbon storage.
Best time to see a Big Bluestem
The best time to see a Big Bluestem is July–September, when about 72% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 16,023 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Big Bluestem? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Big Bluestem sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Big Bluestem?
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