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Florida Bluestem

Andropogon floridanus

Last reviewed: September 2026

Florida Bluestem (Andropogon floridanus)
Photo: (c) Jay Horn, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Florida Bluestem (Andropogon floridanus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

24"–48" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

AL, FL, GA

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Andropogon floridanus is a native bunch grass that forms attractive clumps with narrow green foliage. It produces delicate, feathery seed heads from summer through fall that add movement and texture to the landscape.

In an HOA neighborhood

Florida Bluestem is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and butterflies, while the seeds provide food for birds. As a native grass, it supports various beneficial insects throughout its growing season.

Common questions

How much sun does Florida Bluestem need?
Florida Bluestem grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Florida Bluestem bloom?
Florida Bluestem blooms in July, August, September, and October.
Where is Florida Bluestem native?
Florida Bluestem (Andropogon floridanus) is native to AL, FL, GA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Florida Bluestem attract?
Florida Bluestem draws bees and butterflies.
Is Florida Bluestem HOA-friendly?
Florida Bluestem is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Florida Bluestem? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz