SafePlants

Bushy Bluestem: A Native Grass with Ornamental Appeal

Andropogon glomeratus, commonly known as bushy bluestem or bushy beardgrass, is a versatile and attractive grass native to the United States.

Considerations for Pets

• Bushy bluestem has a fluffy flower head.
• Bushy bluestem has silvery seeds.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Andropogon glomeratus
• Common Names: Bushy Bluestem, Bushy Beardgrass, Bushy Broomsedge, Lowland Broomsedge, Bushybeard Bluestem
• Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
• Tribe: Andropogoneae
• Synonyms: Andropogon glomeratus (Walter) Britton, Sterns &amp Poggenb. var. glomeratus, Andropogon glomeratus (Walter) Britton et. al. var. scabriglumis C.S. Campb.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the eastern United States, ranging from much of the bottom half of the U.S. north to New England.
• Also found in Florida and Texas.
• Prefers moist or semi-moist soils.
• Thrives in full sun.
• Habitats include meadows, wetlands, bottomlands, and riparian areas.

Morphological Characteristics

• A cespitose (clump-forming) warm-season perennial grass.
• Typically grows to a height of 3 to 6 feet (0.5 - 1 meter).
• Features showy silver-white flower spikes in late summer and early fall.
• Foliage is blue-green.
• Fluffy flower heads resemble silvery cotton candy.
• Seed heads turn a copper color after seedset.

Ecological Role

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

Quirky Facts

• The common name, Bushy Bluestem or Bushy Beardgrass, is derived from the large tuft or flowery fluff on top of the grass.

Further Resources

• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
• Hawaii Invasive Species Council: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/hisc/
• Catnapin Wildflowers: http://www.catnapin.com/WildFlowers/.Grass/Bushy%20Bluestem
• Discover Life
• Wikimedia Commons