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Andropogon glomeratus (Bushy Bluestem)

Bushy Bluestem, Brushy Bluestem, Bushy Beardgrass, Bushy Broom Grass

Andropogon glomeratus, Bushy Bluestem, Brushy Bluestem, Bushy Beardgrass, Bushy Broom Grass, Ornamental Grass
Andropogon glomeratus, Bushy Bluestem, Brushy Bluestem, Bushy Beardgrass, Bushy Broom Grass, Ornamental Grass
Andropogon glomeratus, Bushy Bluestem, Brushy Bluestem, Bushy Beardgrass, Bushy Broom Grass, Ornamental Grass

An impressive ornamental grass for moist soils, Andropogon glomeratus (Bushy Bluestem) is a clump-forming, warm-season grass forming a sturdy and upright tuft of tall, flattened leaf blades. Emerging blue-green in spring, the foliage turns rich coppery-orange in the fall. Elegant tall flowering stems rise above the foliage in late summer to early fall, bearing densely clustered, clublike, silvery pink to white panicles. Reminiscent of cotton candy, the feathery racemes are striking when they catch the sunlight. Native to the eastern and southern United States, Bushy Bluestem occurs naturally in swamps, wet savannas, pine Flatwoods, bogs, fens, depression ponds, interdune swales and ponds, and wet disturbed sites. Perfect for providing height and color to wetland gardens, Bushy Bluestem requires very little care, is virtually disease and pest free, and provides good cover for small animals as well as winter food for birds. The seed plumes are lovely in cut or dried flower arrangements.

  • Grows in a dense clump up to 3-6 ft. tall (90-180 cm) and 2-3 ft. across (60-90 cm). Can aggressively self-seed where happy.
  • Performs best in full sun in medium to wet soils. Tolerates light shade.
  • Excellent choice for moist landscapes, this architectural grass is perfect for prairie plantings, rain gardens, bog gardens or near streams and ponds.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant.
  • Cut back in late winter to early spring to allow new growth to emerge.
  • Propagate by seed, root division.
  • Native to the eastern and southern United States.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family Poaceae
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Showy
Native Plants United States, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Southwest, Rocky Mountains, Southeast, California, Northeast, Midwest, Illinois, Ohio, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, Arkansas, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, Kentucky, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah
Tolerance Deer, Wet Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Bog Gardens, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
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Recommended Companion Plants

Liatris pycnostachya (Prairie Blazing Star)
Liatris spicata (Blazing Star)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family Poaceae
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Showy
Native Plants United States, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Southwest, Rocky Mountains, Southeast, California, Northeast, Midwest, Illinois, Ohio, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, Arkansas, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, Kentucky, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah
Tolerance Deer, Wet Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Bog Gardens, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?

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