Old-field Broomstraw Andropogon virginicus

Broomsedge is a native perennial plant in the grass family (Poaceae). Andropogon is from the Greek andros (man) and pogon (beard), as the hairy spikelets of this genus are said to resemble a man’s beard. The specific epithet virginicus (from Virginia) refers to the Virginia territory where the specimen was originally collected. The common name of Broomsedge is misleading as it is a grass and not a sedge. The early settlers gathered and used the dried stalks of broomsedge to make brooms.  

Broomsedge grows best in full sun, dry conditions and poor, barren soil. However, it will grow in partial sun and it will tolerate mesic soils. This plant is not recommended for a formal garden and does not tolerate heavy mulch. However, it can be used as a backdrop or as a filler in wildflower beds. 

It is often found in disturbed woodlands, old fields and pastures, and along roadbeds. It is a vigorous plant that while it provides excellent ground cover that is not grazed by livestock or wildlife, it is good used in managed rural areas.

Broomsedge has green leaves and stems that turn dark red-purple followed by bright orange in late fall. It is a long-livedplant.

Habitat: Var. decipiens: Savannas, flatwoods, maritime wet grasslands, disturbed pinelands, other wetlands; var. virginicus: old fields, roadbanks, disturbed sites