The Chicago area is home to a variety of native plants that are well - suit to the local clime and grunge conditions . Two native grasses that thrive in this part are big Andropogon gerardii ( Andropogon gerardii ) and little bluestem ( Schizachyrium scoparium ) . These gage are not only beautiful additions to any garden or landscape , but they also have legion benefits for the surroundings .
Big Andropogon gerardii , also known as turkeyfoot , is a tall grass that can turn over heights of up to 6 infantry . It has attractive blue - green foliage and bring forth feathery seed head in late summer . This skunk is incredibly brave and can tolerate a extensive range of territory circumstance , including clay and sandy soil . It is also drouth - broad once plant , make it a great choice for surface area with modified water availability .
trivial bluestem , on the other hand , is a shorter grass that typically grows to heights of around 3 human foot . It has slender , good stems and minute gloomy - green leave-taking that turn a stunning scarlet - brown color in the downfall . Like swelled Andropogon gerardii , little bluestem is adaptable to various soil types , including those with poor natality . It is also drought - tolerant and can thrive in full sun to fond tone .
Both big bluestem and little bluestem are aboriginal to the prairies of the Midwest , including the Chicago area . These supergrass play a crucial role in prairie ecosystem , providing food and habitat for a wide ambit of wildlife , including razzing , butterfly stroke , and other pollinators . They also have deep root systems that help prevent grunge erosion and improve territory health .
In terms of landscaping , big bluestem and little Andropogon furcatus can be used in a diversity of ways . They make excellent increase to naturalistic or prairie - style gardens , where they can be planted en masse shot to produce a visually striking display . These grasses also work well in motley borders , where they can cater height and grain when combined with other perennial and shrubs .
I have personally used both big bluestem and little bluestem in my own garden in the Chicago surface area , and I have been thrilled with the result . Not only do these grasses summate beauty and pastime to the landscape painting throughout the year , but they also require minimum maintenance once established . I have found that they are particularly resilient during period of drouth , ensuring that my garden remains vibrant even during wry spells .
Big bluestem and piffling Andropogon gerardii are excellent native grass for the Chicago region . Their adaptability , beauty , and environmental benefits make them a worthful improver to any garden or landscape painting . Whether you are search to create a prairie - style garden , lend elevation and texture to mixed borders , or control eating away , these grasses are sure to make a lasting feeling .
Caroline Bates
