Andropogon virginicus L., broomsedge bluestem 
DESCRIPTION 
Warm-season, perennial bunch grass. 
Height: 2 to 4 feet. 
Leaf blade: Flat to partly folded ; 1/8 to 1/4 inch wide ; a few 
scattered hairs at base on upper side. 
Leaf sheath: Strongly flattened; keeled; crowded; overlap- 
ping at base ; pale yellowish green; papery at maturity. 
Ligule: Fringed; 1/16 inch long. 
Stem: Flattened at base ; smooth. 
Seedhead: Racemes partly enclosed in large straw-colored 
spathe as long as or longer than raceme. 
GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS 
New growth starts in spring when average daytime tempera- 
ture is 60° to 65° F. Seed mature in 6 weeks to 2 months. Broom- 
sedge bluestem is a prolific seed producer. New seedlings are eas- 
ily established. Does not tolerate shade. Grows well on sites low 
in fertility — especially on eroded, wornout fields. 
DISTRIBUTION 
Throughout South from the 25-inch rainfall belt eastward. 
SITE ADAPTATION 
Grows on a wide variety of soils, especially soils in old fields 
and other disturbed areas. 
USE AND MANAGEMENT 
Broomsedge bluestem furnishes considerable grazing during 
spring and early summer. During late summer, fall, and winter, 
forage value is low. 
This grass is an increaser on deteriorating ranges and open 
woodlands. On ranges in poor to fair condition, it frequently con- 
tributes as much as 60 to 90 percent of total herbage. Improved 
pastures are frequently invaded by broomsedge if not properly 
managed. To reduce the percentage of broomsedge in a plant com- 
munity, graze it heavily early in spring when plants are most pal- 
atable. Then defer grazing 60 to 90 days and do not overgraze as- 
sociated grasses the rest of the year. 
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