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shortspike bluestem

Scientific Name: Andropogon brachystachyus

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Shortspike Bluestem (Andropogon brachystachyus)

Shortspike Bluestem, scientifically known as Andropogon brachystachyus, is a native perennial grass with potential use in landscaping and habitat stabilization.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Andropogon brachystachyus Chapm.
  • Common Name: Shortspike Bluestem
  • Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
  • Synonyms: Some sources list "s. Andropogon brachystachyus" as a synonym, though this may be an abbreviation rather than a true synonym.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Shortspike Bluestem is native to the pinelands and prairies of Florida.
  • It is also found in Georgia and potentially other southeastern states within the United States.
  • It thrives in sandy soils that are moist or seasonally wet.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • It is a graminoid, meaning it resembles grass in form.
  • It is a perennial plant, indicating it lives for more than two years.
  • Its growth habit is described as groundcover-grass/grasslike.
  • It prefers full sunlight exposure.
  • Flowers and seeds are produced on numerous, short, spike-like branches.
  • It has a fibrous, spreading root system.

Ecological Role

  • It can be used to stabilize disturbed landscapes.
  • It provides wildlife support.

Resources

  • USDA PLANTS database
  • Discover Life
  • Dave's Garden
  • Garden Guides