Or, turkeyfoot or tall bluestem
- Ojibwe: mayagi mashkosiw
- Latin: Andropogon gerardii
Human uses
Food
This grass is great forage for livestock in spring and summer, due to it being drought-tolerant. It’s also used in grazing systems and hay production.
Ecology
Big Bluestem is a perennial grass native to tallgrass prairies, reaching heights of 4–8 feet. It supports biodiversity by serving as host habitat for butterflies.
Medicine
The root can be used as a diuretic to alleviate stomach pain, and made into a tea to relieve fevers.
Culture
Big Bluestem’s presence in the prairie serves as a natural indicator of prairie health, providing an indicator of value in soil fertility.
*Note: Information on medicinal or consumption usage is for historical/traditional purposes, and is not recommended without proper knowledge or training.