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splitbeard bluestem

Scientific Name: Andropogon ternarius var. ternarius

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Splitbeard Bluestem (Andropogon ternarius)

Andropogon ternarius, commonly known as splitbeard bluestem, is a beautiful and ecologically valuable native grass. It is also known by the common names split bluestem, silver bluestem, and paintbrush bluestem.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant produces seeds which may be attractive to birds and mammals.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant produces seeds which may be attractive to birds and mammals.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Andropogon ternarius Michx.
  • Common Names: Splitbeard bluestem, split bluestem, silver bluestem, paintbrush bluestem.
  • Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
  • Tribe: Andropogoneae
  • Synonyms: Andropogon argyraeus

Distribution and Habitat

  • Splitbeard bluestem is native to the Eastern half of the US and found nearly throughout Florida.
  • It thrives in sunny, dry locations.
  • It tolerates infertile, sandy, and clay soils, as well as very strongly acid to neutral pH.
  • It is commonly found in meadows, open woodlands, dry pinelands, and turkey oak scrub.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • It is a warm-season, herbaceous, perennial bunch grass.
  • It typically grows to a height of 2 to 4 feet (0.5 - 1.0m).
  • Growth begins in April, with summer flowering.
  • The foliage is refined, yet the plant is sturdy.
  • Leaves are ribbon-like and often purplish.
  • The silvery-white seed tufts catch the light and are particularly attractive, especially in the fall when backlighting by the autumn sun.
  • Summer foliage is blue-green, turning copper, red, and bronze in the fall.
  • Flowers are borne on paired, hairy racemes.

Ecological Role

  • Splitbeard bluestem benefits wildlife.
  • Several species of birds and mammals eat the seeds and use the plants for cover.
  • It is deer resistant.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Frequently found growing with Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium).

Further Information

  • USDA Plants Database entry for Splitbeard Bluestem.
  • Discover Life's page about Andropogon ternarius.