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Plant Profile  
FYUSE Image

Common Name: Broomsedge Bluestem

Species Name: Andropogon virginicus

Plant Type: Grasses & Grass-like

Family Name: Poaceae, Grass Family

Tribe: Andropogoneae, Bluestem Tribe

 

 

Examples of Broomsedge BluestemAndropogon virginicus

A large bunch of Broomsedge Bluestem growing in a field.
A large bunch of Broomsedge Bluestem growing in a field.
A large bunch of Broomsedge Bluestem growing in a field.
The seed head nested in a sheath of a Broomsedge Bluestem plant.
The seed head nested in a sheath of a Broomsedge Bluestem plant.
The seed head nested in a sheath of a Broomsedge Bluestem plant.
An image showing the blades folded near collar on Broomsedge Bluestem.
An image showing the blades folded near collar on Broomsedge Bluestem.
An image showing the blades folded near collar on Broomsedge Bluestem.
An image showing the fuzzy and cream-colored seed heads of Broomsedge Bluestem.
An image showing the fuzzy and cream-colored seed heads of Broomsedge Bluestem.
An image showing the fuzzy and cream-colored seed heads of Broomsedge Bluestem.
The light brown straw-like stems in winter of Broomsedge Bluestem.
The light brown straw-like stems in winter of Broomsedge Bluestem.
The light brown straw-like stems in winter of Broomsedge Bluestem.
The yellow-green straw-like stems of Broomsedge Bluestem.
The yellow-green straw-like stems of Broomsedge Bluestem.
The yellow-green straw-like stems of Broomsedge Bluestem.
The flattened stems at base of a Broomsedge plant.
The flattened stems at base of a Broomsedge plant.
The flattened stems at base of a Broomsedge plant.
An image showing how Broomsedge grows in bunches.
An image showing how Broomsedge grows in bunches.
An image showing how Broomsedge grows in bunches.

 

 

Plant Facts  
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  
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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