Broomsedge Bluestem
Andropogon virginicus
Family: Poaceae or Gramineae
What it is like
A perennial grass forming narrow clumps of stems with some medicinal and other uses. Common names include broomsedge bluestem, yellowsedge bluestem and whiskey grass in Australia as it was used as American whiskey bottle packaging.
Andropogon virginicus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 1.2
Where it is found
Open ground, old fields, open woods, sterile hills and sandy soils.
Eastern N. America - New York to Florida, west to Texas, Illinois and Ohio.
Conservation Status: Least Concern.
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
A decoction of the roots is used in the treatment of backaches. A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of diarrhoea. Externally, it is used as a wash for frostbite, sores, itching, piles and poison ivy rash.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Salve: Soothes and heals damaged skin.
Other
Rating: 1
A yellow dye is obtained from the stems. Onion skins are sometimes added when making the dye. Sometimes grown as an ornamental plant (but can be weedy).
How it is grown
Requires a light porous sandy soil in full sun. Plants are often found in very acid soils in the wild. This plant was inadvertantly introduced to the Hawain Islands in 1932 and has spread widely there. It is considered to be one of the most threatening of exotic species, invading native habitats and altering the fire and hydrology regimes.
Propagating it: Seed - surface sow in early spring in a greenhouse. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on for the first winter in a cold greenhouse. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
Invasive in Hawaii and California and weedy in other areas of the US. Releasing persistent herbicidal chemicals to competes with other species. Fire tolerant.