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bushy bluestem

Scientific Name: Andropogon glomeratus var. glomeratus

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Bushy Bluestem (Andropogon glomeratus)

Andropogon glomeratus, commonly known as bushy bluestem or bushy beardgrass, is a perennial warm-season grass native to much of the eastern United States.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant forms clumps of grass reaching heights of 3 to 6 feet.
  • The seed heads persist after seedset.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant forms clumps of grass reaching heights of 3 to 6 feet.
  • The seed heads persist after seedset.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Andropogon glomeratus
  • Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
  • Tribe: Andropogoneae
  • Synonyms: Some botanists consider Andropogon glomeratus and other related species as potentially synonymous.
  • Varieties: Andropogon glomeratus (Walter) Britton, Sterns &amp Poggenb. var. glomeratus, Andropogon glomeratus (Walter) Britton et. al. var. scabriglumis C.S. Campb.
  • Alternative Names: bushy broomsedge, lowland broomsedge, and bushybeard bluestem.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the eastern United States, ranging from New England south through much of the bottom half of the U.S.
  • Common in Florida.
  • Found in moist or semi-moist soils, meadows, wetlands, bottomland, and riparian areas.
  • Prefers full sun or light shade.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Cespitose (forms clumps).
  • Warm-season perennial grass.
  • Typically grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 meter (approximately 3 to 5 feet), but can reach up to 6 feet.
  • Showy silver-white flower spikes in late summer and early fall.
  • Blue-green foliage.
  • Fluffy flower heads resembling silvery cotton candy.
  • Seed heads turn a copper color after seedset.

Ecological Role

  • Provides food and cover for wildlife.
  • Versatile for wetland restoration and stormwater management.
  • Freely self-seeding.

Quirky Facts

  • Its common name, "bushy beardgrass," refers to the large tuft or flowery fluff on top of the grass.

Further Information

  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: https://www.wildflower.org/
  • Hawaii Invasive Species Council: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/hisc/
  • Catnapin Wildflowers: http://www.catnapin.com/WildFlowers/
  • Discover Life: Provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Andropogon glomeratus.
  • Wikimedia Commons: Offers media related to Andropogon glomeratus.