split bluestem
Anatherum ternarium
USDA zones6 to 10
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterNeeds dry soil
Size2 to 4 feet tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Habit
- Grass/grass-like
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Brown
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Split bluestem (Anatherum ternarium) is a grass for low maintenance beds, specimen planting, and meadows. It is hardy to USDA zone 6, or down to -10°F (-23°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry, sandy or loamy soil. The ribbon-like leaves are often purplish. Silvery-white seed tufts catch the light, and they look best with the sun behind them. Birds feed on the seeds.
Pairs well with Purple prairie clover, Dense blazing star, and Yarrow.
Native range
AL, AR, DC, DE, and 17 more places. See all 21
AL, AR, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MO, MS, NC, NJ, OK, SC, TN, TX, and VA.