Andropogon glomeratus

Andropogon virginicus

Bushy Bluestem

Andropogon glomeratus

an-dro-POE-gone glow-mer-AY-tus

Poaceae

Native to:  Central America, West Indies, North America

Florida abundance and distribution:  Most of Florida 

Recognition:  Forms a narrow clump of flattened blue-green leaf blades.  Flower stalks topped with dense, fluffy, silvery pink to white panicles.  Rises up to 6’ tall above foliage in late summer to early fall.  After frost, foliage and bushy panicles turn coppery-orange.  Panicles soften into billowy plumes.

Easily confused species:   There are multiple species of Andropogon in Florida.   Andropogon glomeratus and A. virginicus are by far the most common.   Andropogon virginicus differs by having its flowering mostly along the stems as opposed to concentrated toward the tops.  See www.floridagrasses.org for details.

Other:  Good ornamental.  Fall color.  Typically found in moist soils.

Means of Dispersal:  Can aggressively self-seed in optimum growing conditions.

Contributed by: Janel Schaffer