Wildflower Center Staff
Andropogon virginicus L.
Broomsedge bluestem, Broom-sedge
Poaceae (Grass Family)
The seeds of Broom-sedge are evenly distributed along the 2-5 ft. stems and are striking in fall and winter when the fine hairs of the expanded racemes catch the sunlight. The clump-forming,
perennial grass turns a tawny brown in fall.
Unlike its relatives, Big and Little Bluestem (
Andropogon gerardii and
Schizachyrium scoparium), Broom-sedge can be an invader on disturbed lands, where it helps to control erosion. It is the primary
native meadow grass in the northeast, where it should form the linchpin of any prairie restoration.
Image Gallery:
3 photo(s) available
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Sep , Oct , Nov
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CA , CT , DE , FL , GA , HI , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , LA , MD , MA , MI , MS , MO , NJ , NY , NC , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VA , WV , DC
Canada: ON Native Distribution: FL to TX, n. to MA, OH, s. IL, s.e. IA & KS
Native Habitat: Dry fields; thin woods; upper shores of ponds
USDA Native Status: L48(N), HI(I), PR(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Dry, sandy soils. Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam
Conditions Comments: Unlike its relatives, big and little bluestem, broom sedge can be an invader on disturbed lands.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Attractive. Grows in clumps
Use Wildlife: Cover, nesting material, seed food for birds. Graze for deer.
Attracts: Birds , Butterflies
Deer Resistant: No
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Andropogon virginicus is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Last Update: 2011-05-30
