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BROOMSEDGE
Andropogon virginicus L.
Alternative Names
Broomsedge, popotillo, whiskey grass, and yellow bluestem. Some botanists consider Andropogon glomeratus and Andropogon virginicus as one species. However, the two grasses are distinct and consistent in appearance and are currently recognized as separate species.
Description
General: Grass Family (Poaceae). It is a native, warm-season, herbaceous, perennial bunch grass that begins its growth when the average daytime temperature is between 60° to 65° F. The slender, erect culms are up to 4 feet tall. The flattened sheaths are overlapping and with a few scattered hairs. The upper part of the plant is rounded and the lower part is slightly flattened and keeled. The blade is ⅛ to ¼ inch wide, 10 to 16 inches long and rough to the touch above. The ligule is small and membranous. The inflorescence has a panicle of two to four racemes about 1 inch long. The bases of the panicle branches are enclosed in an inflated, tawny spathe as long or longer than the spikelet. The upper lemma of the sessile spikelet has a straight awn that is ½ inch long. The pedicillate spikelet is absent. The seeds mature in 6 weeks to 2 months.
Uses
Livestock: Broomsedge bluestem is grazed readily by cattle in the spring and early sum-mer shortly after growth starts. The nutrition value is low except in early stages of growth. It is unpalatable when mature.
Wildlife: Broomsedge bluestem benefits wildlife. Several species of birds and mammals eat the seeds in the winter when the seeds of other plants are not available. Several animals use the plants for cover and nesting sites (especially quail).
