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broomsedge bluestem
Scientific Name: Andropogon virginicus var. virginicus
Family: Poaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Broomsedge Bluestem (Andropogon virginicus)
Andropogon virginicus, commonly known as broomsedge bluestem, is a native warm-season perennial bunchgrass belonging to the grass family, Poaceae.
Considerations for Pets
- This grass can grow up to 4 feet tall and forms dense tufts, which might be attractive for pets to explore.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Andropogon virginicus L.
- Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
- Synonyms:
- Andropogon virginicus var. virginicus (Chase, 1950)
- Plant Symbol: ANVI2 (USDA PLANTS Database)
Common Names
- Broomsedge
- Yellowsedge Bluestem
- Virginia Bluestem
- Whiskey Grass
- Broom Grass
- Broom Sage
- Sage Brush
- Yellow Bluestem
- Broomstraw
- Sedge Grass
- Sagegrass
- Old-field Broomstraw
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the eastern United States and southern New England.
- Has been introduced in many other areas, including Australia.
- Grows best on light to sandy soils.
Ecological Role
- Can be an invader on disturbed sites, unlike its relatives Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) and Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium).
- Sometimes considered a weed.
- Indicates poor soil conditions.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Caespitose perennial bunchgrass.
- Grows in small tufts.
- Typically grows to 1.2 meters (4 feet) tall, with some varieties reaching 2-3 feet.
- Flat base is usually yellow.
- Flat stems with a fan-like arrangement.
- In the fall, the leaves turn a conspicuous reddish-orange color.
- Flowers from September to October.
- Flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs).
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Used as nest cover and roosting cover for wildlife.
- Decomposition affected by ozone levels.
Quirky Facts
- Historically, the long, bush-like grasses were used by housewives to make brooms.
Further Information
- USDA NRCS Plant Data Center
- USDA PLANTS Database (Plant Symbol: ANVI2)
- Encyclopedia of Life
- Discover Life
- Ohio State Weed Lab
- USDA Forest Service
- Dave's Garden
- Native American Seed
- Toadshade Wildflower Farm