SafePlants

Bushy Bluestem (Andropogon glomeratus)

Andropogon glomeratus, commonly known as Bushy Bluestem or Bushy Beardgrass, is a native perennial warm-season clump grass appreciated for its ornamental value and ecological benefits.

Common Names: Bushy Bluestem, Bushy Beardgrass, Bushy Broomsedge, Lowland Broomsedge, Bushybeard Bluestem.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Andropogon glomeratus (Walter) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb. var. glomeratus
• Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
• Tribe: Andropogoneae
• Note: Some botanists consider Andropogon glomeratus and other related species to be synonymous.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the eastern United States, ranging from New England south through much of the bottom half of the country.
• Found in moist or semi-moist soils, including meadows, wetlands, bottomland, riparian areas, and damp areas throughout regions like the Hill Country of Texas and Florida.

Ecological Role

• Provides food and cover for wildlife.
• Versatile for wetland restoration and stormwater management.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Cespitose, warm-season perennial grass.
• Grows to be 3 to 6 feet (0.5 - 1 m) tall.
• Showy silver-white flower spikes appear in late summer and early fall.
• Features blue-green foliage and a bushy top full of silvery seeds.
• Seed heads persist after seedset and turn a beautiful copper color.
• Fluffy flower heads resemble silvery cotton candy.
• Easy to establish and freely self-seeding.

Quirky Facts

• The common name "Bushy Beardgrass" is derived from the plant's large tuft or flowery fluff on top.

Further Information

• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: [Link to Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (if available)]
• Discover Life: [Link to Discover Life (if available)]
• Hawaii Invasive Species Council: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/hisc/
• Catnapin Wildflowers: http://www.catnapin.com/WildFlowers/