Andropogon virginicus (Broomsedge) Unity Grown

Andropogon virginicus, commonly known as broomsedge, is a U.S. native perennial grass known for its resilience in varied soil conditions, tolerating both drought and seasonal flooding. Broomsedge typically reaches two to four feet tall at maturity, and is exceptionally low maintenance, requiring only some sun and to be cut back occasionally in the winter. Andropogon virginicus tolerates not only drought and flooding, but nutritionally poor soils, areas prone to erosion, and browsing by herbivores.

This hearty ornamental grass produces unremarkable fine flowers in the summer months, but displays striking flaxen-yellow and bronze hues in the autumn months, retaining its color into the winter. As with most native grasses, growth is slow and requires two to three years to fully establish, but once established, Broomsedge can really take off; some care should be taken with choosing a location to plant it as some reports list it as capable of fully colonizing areas with poor soil. However, this tendency to display aggressive growth in barren sites makes Andropogon virginicus an excellent choice for native prairie rehabilitation and other naturalization projects.