Broomsedge is a native perennial plant in the grass family (Poaceae). 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. Broomsedge is a vigorous plant that provides excellent ground cover that is not grazed by livestock or wildlife. It is good for use 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-lived plant. May cause allergy symptoms for some. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Green leaves and stems turns dark red-purple then bright orange in late fall.
Fall color
Orange
Flower color
Orange
Flower detail
The flower inflorescence appears in September, turns bright orange in fall, and is attractively silver when back lit.
Bloom time
Fall
Fruit detail
Fruit displays from October to November.
Stem color
Green; Orange; Purple/Lavender; Red/Burgundy
Stem detail
Andropogon virginicus has green leaves and stems turns dark red-purple then bright orange in late fall.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
N. & Central America, Caribbean to Venezuela
Distribution
AL , AR , CA , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , HI , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , MI , MO , MS , NC , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VA , WV
Wildlife value
Members of the genus Anatherum support Common Wood-Nymph (Cercyonis pegala) larvae which have one brood from late May to October. Adult Common Wood-Nymph butterflies feed on rotting fruit and flower nectar. This plant also supports various Skipper larvae.
Attracts
Butterflies; Pollinators
Food & Medicine
Harvest time
Fall
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Meadow; Naturalized Area
Landscape theme
Butterfly Garden; Cottage Garden; Drought Tolerant Garden; Garden for the Blind; Native Garden; Pollinator Garden