Bulletproof Broomsedge

Along our journey around the tri-state area, we noted some plants that gained quite a bit of traction for their winter appearance and badassery. Of this group, Andropogon virginicus seemed to be the cream-of-the-crop: tough, no-nonsense, and charmingly topped with fluffy seeds that give this native grass an ornamental edge, Andropogon virginicus is a quintessential hellscape plant that begins our exploration into what we are affectionately calling Apocalypse Plants.

Known commonly as broomsedge bluestem, which is a mouthful, Andropogon virginicus is not only an indicator of poor soils, but is a master of reclaiming them. Capable of growing in conditions with virtually no nutrient supply, in soils often ravaged by fire (either natural or prescribed), and prone to long periods of drought, broomsedge bluestem is basically the camel of plants.

A prolific seeder, and as previously mentioned, a landscape badass, Andropogon virginicus is choice for erosion control and site remediation, prairie restoration, sunny, dry, meadows, and sites with sandy, rocky soils.

Due to its preferred, nutrient-poor sites, the vegetation itself contains minimal nutritional value, deterring herbivory. Birds, however, will utilize the seed in winter as a food source and may also line their nests with the downy remnants, which are perfect for birds that prefer a soft, finely lined interior such as dark-eyed juncos, chickadees, cedar waxwings, white-throated sparrows, and purple finches. Eastern bluebirds may utilize broomsedge bluestem to line their nests as well, preferring sturdier vegetative portions of the plant, carefully braiding blades together like winged basketweavers.
Eastern bluebirds and Andropogon virginicus can often be found inhabiting the same residences – dry, open prairies and meadows with loads of sunlight and plenty of insect activity. Broomsedge bluestem is also an ideal shelter ground (aka bird buffet) for flying insects, and is the host plant for several skipper species, including Meske’s skipper, swarthy skipper, dusted spotted skipper, and twin-spot skipper.
Ornamentally, broomsedge bluestem makes a wonderful replacement for problematic Miscanthus sinensis selections – although not quite as tall, Andropogon virginicus is a warm season grass capable of reaching heights of 4-6’ in sites where it is happiest, providing suitable vertical structure to the back of the native perennial patch in late summer and giving considerable visual impact when allowed to naturalize in wild clumps that appear almost silvery in the autumn afternoon sunlight. The long-lasting and overt seedheads make wonderful additions to seasonal arrangements, and if left to persist, offer winter interest well into the following spring as they slowly disperse throughout the landscape.
Like other pasture grasses, Angropogon virginicus can be mowed, keeping it manageable and helping to suppress weeds by increasing its vegetative cover and shallow root system, effectively expanding the growing zone of an individual specimen. Vegetative growth begins to emerge in spring, leading to an explosion of medium green, skyward growth in mid-to-late summer that turns golden orange to tawny brown bedazzled with silvery-white fringes over the course of autumn and early winter.
With the increasing demand for plants that tolerate weirdly inefficient landscape conditions, our selection of no-fuss straight species and nativars is unquestionably expanding.
If you haven’t already, make sure to utilize our Advanced Plant Search option on our website to find the plants you wish to seek. Here, you can cater your plant needs to exactly the site that you’re working with: just check off your conditions and preferences (i.e. full sun, sandy soil, drought tolerant), and voila! A helpful list of suitable plant material will materialize in front of your very eyes.

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