and L. umbratus build nests around the base of this bunchgrass, forming large soil mounds. In larger mounds, the nest is shared by multiple species of ants, and is "likened to an apartment complex with each ant species in its own nest partition". Up to 12 species of ants have been recorded in mounds found in the Chicago region. The rust fungus Puccinia andropogonis forms black telia on the leaves. Uses The grass and its variants are good forage for horses and cattle, and can also be cut and used for hay. The grass is high in protein. While not considered the highest quality native forage found in the United States, it has long been considered a desirable and ecologically important grass by cattle ranchers and rangeland ecologists. 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. Symbols Andropogon gerardi is the state grass of Illinois and Missouri and the official prairie grass of Manitoba. See also Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem) References gerardi Bunchgrasses of North America Plants described in 1792 Symbols of Illinois Symbols of Missouri