Andropogon gerardii 'Karl's Cousin'
Andropogon gerardii 'Karl's Cousin' is a native warm season grass with upright blue green foliage that develops rich bronze and purple tones as the seasons progress. This tall prairie grass adds strong vertical structure and movement to landscapes while providing valuable habitat and seasonal interest from summer through winter.
Height & Spread: 4 - 6 ft x 2 - 3 ft
Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Average to dry well drained soil
Watering Needs: Low; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This native prairie grass is found throughout much of North America and plays an important role in natural ecosystems by providing food and cover for wildlife while supporting healthy prairie habitats.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- Provides seeds for songbirds including sparrows and finches while offering valuable cover and nesting habitat through the colder months.
Butterflies
- Supports native butterfly populations by providing important habitat and shelter for caterpillars throughout the growing season.
Small Mammals
- Creates protective cover for small mammals and other wildlife in meadow plantings and naturalized landscapes.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 24 - 36 in apart to allow room for its upright clumping habit and seasonal foliage display.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for native gardens, prairie plantings, restoration areas, and large borders where its height and seasonal color can provide structure and movement.
Companion Plants
- Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) - Adds vivid orange blooms and supports pollinators while complementing the grass’s upright texture.
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - Provides colorful summer flowers that pair well with the vertical form and prairie character.
- Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' (Black Eyed Susan) - Brings bright yellow flowers and reliable late summer interest to native plantings.
- Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks' (Goldenrod) - Adds late season golden blooms and supports pollinators as the grass reaches peak fall color.
- Pycnanthemum muticum (Mountain Mint) - Offers silvery foliage and strong pollinator value while blending naturally with prairie style plantings.