Andropogon virginicus - Broomsedge Bluestem

Family:	Gramineae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	1.2
Synonyms:
Range:	Eastern N. America - New York to Florida, west to Texas, Illinois and Ohio.

Andropogon virginicus (Broomsedge Bluestem) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 1.2m . It has a hardness rating of 6.
Broomsedge Bluestem will flower in March to April. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Wind

Soil Information

Broomsedge Bluestem will grow in light (sandy), soil. It is / is important for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Broomsedge Bluestem prefers either dry or moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Broomsedge Bluestem should not be planted in shady areas.

Open ground, old fields, open woods, sterile hills and sandy soils[236].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Grows on a sunny edge
• Can be planted in Cultivated Beds

Cultivation Details

Requires a light porous sandy soil in full sun[200]. Plants are often found in very acid soils in the wild[236]. This plant was inadvertantly introduced to the Hawain Islands in 1932 and has spread widely there. It is considered to be one of the most threatening of exotic species, invading native habitats and altering the fire and hydrology regimes[274].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 0/5
None known

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 1/5
A decoction of the roots is used in the treatment of backaches[222]. A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of diarrhoea[222]. Externally, it is used as a wash for frostbite, sores, itching, piles and poison ivy rash[222, 257].

• Astringent - Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
• Salve - Soothes and heals damaged skin.

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in early spring in a greenhouse. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on for the first winter in a cold greenhouse. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

A yellow dye is obtained from the stems[257]. Onion skins are sometimes added when making the dye[257].

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

Manual of the Grasses of the United States
Hitchcock. A. S.
Author: Hitchcock. A. S.
Rating:
Publisher : A nice and comprehensive flora, though a bit dated. Good line drawings of each plant, plus a brief idea of the habitat and a few notes on plant uses. Not for the casual reader.
Date of Publication : 1971

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