Georgia Wildlife Federation

Resources < Wildlife Habitats < Guide to Native Plants of Georgia for Wildlife < Andropogon virginicus

Broomsedge is an important and widespread constituent of eastern American fields and is incredibly vital to many species of wildlife. Its importance to wildlife ranges from food and forage to shelter and nest materials. It is also highly ornamental in the fall because of its silvery, shiny seeds which are hairy and wind-dispersed. The foliage becomes a delightful coppery color that stands out over non-native lawn grasses like Bermuda and Fescue.

Broomsedge tolerates a variety of conditions including drought, and it establishes fast with little fertilizer, water, or maintenance—far less costly and worrisome than water-hogging non-native lawn grasses. It is often used for reclamation purposes, and is best suited for large fields and meadows where the waving silver-topped stems can be appreciated all fall and winter long.

DESCIPTION: Leaves are ribbon-like, long, and flat, and may occasionally be curly (especially when dry). Foliage dies during the winter but re-grows from the rhizomes in the spring and gradually forms tight clumps. Fall color is copper, and the downy seeds tinge the tops with silver.

SIZE: 2 to 4 feet high

HABIT: A clumping perennial grass that dies to the ground during the winter

PLANTING AND CARING: Broomsedge is tolerant of a wide variety of conditions as long as it receives full sun. It is hardy, extremely drought tolerant, may be planted in clay or sand, resists compaction and mowing, and readily colonizes disturbed areas. The seeds spread long distances which could potentially be a problem for those desiring a tidy garden.

ORNAMENTAL USE: The most important asset of Broomsedge is its unique fall color. It can range from a coppery red to a golden brownish yellow, and even occasionally a faint purple. The fluffy silver-gray down of the seeds tops the plant off with a wispy grace. Vast stretches of this grass are beautiful throughout the cold seasons as they wave and waft through autumn and winter winds.

LANDSCAPE USE: Broomsedge is most suitable for large-scale plantings such as in fields, lawns, meadows, and forest edgings. It will readily seed itself long distances with little effort, fertilizer, or labor within just a few growing seasons.

HABITAT: Broomsedge is widely distributed as far north as Maine down to Florida, and west to the Mississippi River. It grows commonly in disturbed areas like fields, meadows, open woodlands, forest edges, and along roadsides.

WILDLIFE BENEFITS: Broomsedge is a larval host plant for the Cobweb Skipper. Its seeds are eaten by the field sparrow, junco, and chipping sparrow as well as small rodents. Many birds employ the foliage, stems, and the down of the seeds in nest construction in trees or on the ground. It is browsed by white-tail deer and makes great cover for the Northern Bobwhite Quail. Some wildlife biologists have theorized that conversion of Broomsedge fields to hay grasses such as bermuda grass has contributed to the decline in the abundance of the Bobwhite, particularly in the Piedmont.