Andropogon glomeratus: Bushy Bluestem

Latin name: Andropogon glomeratus
Common name: Bushy Bluestem
Flowers: Bushy inflorescenes^{2, 10}
Fruit: Inconspicuous¹⁶
Height & Width: 5-6’ x 3’2²
Type: Perennial¹⁰
Habit: Upright, clump-forming³
Wetland indicator category**: FACW¹⁷
Texture: Medium²
Growth rate: Medium³
Light: Sun¹⁰
Moisture: Medium to wet¹²
Soil*: Tolerates a wide variety of soil types¹²
Zones: 3-9²
Origin: Lower Western to Eastern United States, including South Carolina.¹⁶
Features: Bushy Bluestem features showy copper-orange fall and winter color that persists for months². During the growing season, this large grass displays flattened blue stems from which the bushy flower plumes appear in late summer³. Beneficial to a wide variety of wildlife¹⁰.

Siting: Andropogon glomeratus needs plenty of room to grow and performs best in medium to wet soils². It can handle light shade, though it prefers full sun¹².

Care: Plant crown at soil level¹⁸. At planting, water the roots and surrounding area slowly and deeply. Keep soil moist until plant is established, then apply enough water to thoroughly moisten the root zone when the soil is dry or during drought. Modify water recommendations to reflect site drainage and rainfall. Apply 3” of mulch over the planted area. Do not allow mulch to touch the plant stems¹⁸. Cut clumps to the ground in late winter to allow room for new growth¹².

Pests: Plants are relatively pest resistant if cultural preferences are met.

This plant does not appear on the following invasive plant lists on (10/30/12):

X USDA SC Invasive Plant Species Web site at http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/plants/main.shtml

X SC Exotic Plant Pest Council Web site at http://www.se-eppc.org/southcarolina/

Sources 1-18 found on Sources page