// SPECIES PROFILE · GRASS · NATIVE

Split bluestem

Andropogon ternarius var. ternarius

Split bluestem (Andropogon ternarius var. ternarius) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 5a–11b. Mature size 18"–4'. Blooms Aug–Nov.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: grass
Native range: Native to 21 U.S. states, including AL, AR, DC, DE, FL, GA…
USDA hardiness: Zones 5a–11b
Mature size: 18"–4'
Sun: Part shade
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: Aug–Nov
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Split bluestem (Andropogon ternarius var. ternarius) — *Andropogon ternarius var. ternarius* — Split bluestem. Photo via iNaturalist — (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Split bluestem (Andropogon ternarius var. ternarius) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 5a–11b. Mature size 18"–4'. Blooms Aug–Nov. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, split bluestem pairs naturally with: Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), Common Rush (Juncus effusus), Eastern Gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides), Eastern Woodland Sedge (Carex blanda).