An environmental art piece

Named for big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), the piece emulates the feeling of walking through a tallgrass prairie which once covered nearly 80% of the state of Iowa. The magenta and aqua color palette is inspired by big bluestem itself, emerging glaucus blue in the spring and transitioning into shades of pink as the summer progresses. 200 poles meet the ground at varying angles creating a moiré effect and a feeling of movement reminiscent of tall grasses swaying in the wind. The poles are angled based on models of the growth habit of big bluestem in nature, naturally growing at different angles in response to competition and changes in its environment. Specifically designed areas close to the pathway create a room effect, similar to what one might experience exploring an Iowa prairie. The eight-foot poles invert the scalar relationship between humans and their environment, thus reminding occupants that they are part of the ecosystems that surround us.

In 2023 as an effort to bring the sculpture to life and provide context to its environment, a big bluestem dominated prairie was planted amongst the poles. Varieties of grasses were selected to emphasize the colors already present in the art and planted in a way to invite curious views deeper into the sculpture. Other prairie plants were selected as direct compliments to the color palette, inviting natural blues and pinks to shine with the poles. As the prairie matures around the art piece it will be a testament to the greater appreciation of Iowa’s shrinking prairies.

Prairie Plants

This simple planting design uses native prairie plants to help compliment the poles while not distracting from their significance to the landscape. Reseeding annuals and groundcovers spread aesthetic interest across the ground plane while larger structural plants grow tall amongst the sculpture. The area is also underplanted with surprise lilies (Lycoris squamigera) giving a fleeting splash of pink and a little blue midsummer.

 This planting is still very young, but as it develops it will turn into a dynamic and colorful example of prairie plants providing habitat and refuge for much of the arboretum’s wildlife. It’s not uncommon to find birds perching atop the poles or searching the ground for fallen seed. Many insects and mammals have been spotted in this garden too.

Why big bluestem?

Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) is a quintessential Iowa tallgrass prairie plant. Native to at least 45 of the 50 U.S. states, big bluestem plays an important role in dozens of types of ecosystems. The crown of the plant provides shelter for ground nesting birds while also helping overwintering insects. The foliage is eaten by hundreds of species of insects, birds, and mammals, and is the host plant of many types of skipper butterflies. The plant’s roots grow deep in the soil making it able to reach water and nutrients well below the surface. It plays an important role in hydrology of prairies by bringing water closer to the surface to be used by other plants. There are many varieties suitable for the garden, forming an upright and colorful statement with great winter interest. Big bluestem is also a key player in management of erosion, used in post-construction erosion control and along roadsides. Overall, this plant is certainly worth celebrating!

Construction photographs:

Click the image below for a gallery of photographs from the garden:

Plant List: