Broomsedge, Sedge Grass, Sage Grass

Andropogon virginicus L.

Poaceae (Grass Family)

▲ new growth from established plant in early summer

▲ broomsedge at beginning of flowering

▼ ▲ orange-brown color of dried broomsedge in fall and winter

Broomsedge: (not in Weeds of the Great Plains; pp. 34-35, Weeds of the Northeast)

·         native, warm-season perennial bunch-type grass, 2-3' tall

·         related to native big and little bluestem grasses

·         upright growth habit, grey-green foliage color

·         hairs at base of leaves

·         inflorescences are several short spike enclosed in leaf sheaths along flowering stem

·         high populations of broomsedge usually indicate acid, low-fertility, over-grazed land

·         palatable when young, but soon becomes stemmy and of low preference to cattle