Broomsedge Bluestem
Plant Profile | |
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FYUSE Image |
Common Name: Broomsedge Bluestem Species Name: Andropogon virginicus Plant Type: Grasses & Grass-like Family Name: Poaceae, Grass Family Tribe: Andropogoneae, Bluestem Tribe |
Plant Facts | |
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Origin | Native |
Duration | Perennial |
Season | Warm |
Distribution in the U.S. | In the west, found from Iowa to Texas to Mexico and to California |
Distribution in Oklahoma | Southeastern quarter |
ID Characteristics
- Field Identification Characteristics
Vegetative
- Orange-brown or straw-colored leaves and stems in winter
- Yellow-green leaves in spring and summer
- Large bunchgrass
- Stems flattened at base of plant
- Blades folded near collar
Floral
- Seed heads nested in stems; fuzzy and cream-colored
- 2-5 branches per seed head with straight awns
- Leaf and Stem Characteristics
- Plant Height: 40-115 centimeters
- Ligule Type: Ciliate-membranous
- Sheath: Glabrous or villous
- Leaves: Basal
- Floral Characteristics
- Inflorescence Type: Rame
- Florets Per Spikelet: 2
- Glumes: Equal
Habitat/Ecology | |
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Soil Type | Various, best growth in sandy soil |
Habitat | Grows well in low fertility and pH sites like old fields that have been heavily eroded |
Successional Stage | All |
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