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 2-4' tall at maturity, with a spread of about 2-3' wide. Andropogon virginicus is exceptionally low maintenance, requiring only some sun and to be cut back occasionally in the winter. Though Andropogon virginicus is related to the slightly more popular big bluestem grass (Andropogon gerardii), making it resistant to nutrient poor soils and deer and rabbit damage, broomsedge is also even more tolerant of drought and flooding than big bluestem.

Broomsedge produces unremarkable fine flowers in the summer months, but displays striking flaxen-yellow and bronze hues in the autumn months, retaining its color and upright structure well into the winter. As with most native grasses, growth is slow and plants may require 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 broomsedge as some landowners report that it is capable of fully colonizing areas with poor soil. On the other hand, this tendency to spread quickly in barren sites makes Andropogon virginicus an excellent choice for native prairie rehabilitation and other naturalization projects.

Our Andropogon virginicus plugs are grown from seed here at Unity Church Hill Nursery.