Andropogon gerardi, commonly known as big bluestem, is a species of tall grass native to much of the Great Plains and grassland regions of central and eastern North America.

[2] It was named for French botanist Louis Gérard, who had first described the plant from specimens that had been cultivated in Provence, France.

[7] Kew's International Plant Names Index and USDA Germplasm Resources Information Network reject the spelling gerardii and provide reasoning for gerardi as being the correct spelling for the specific epithet of this taxon.

[7] Several species of ants, such as F. glacialis, F. montana, F. subsericea, Lasius minutus, and L. umbratus build nests around the base of this bunchgrass, forming large soil mounds.

[12][13] Big bluestem is cultivated by specialty plant nurseries for its drought tolerance and native status.

It is often grown for wildlife gardens, natural landscaping, and grassland habitat restoration projects.

Due to its high biomass, big bluestem is being considered as a potential feedstock for ethanol production.