When does Andropogon virginicus bloom?

Broomsedge Bluestem produces its characteristic bronze to copper-colored flower heads from August through October, creating attractive fall displays.

What pollinators visit Andropogon virginicus?

This native grass attracts bees, beetles, and moths during its blooming period. The seeds also provide important food for birds and small mammals.

Where is Broomsedge Bluestem native?

Andropogon virginicus is native to eastern North America, including New York and extending south through the southeastern United States.

Is Broom-sedge toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Broom-sedge as toxic to livestock.

Is Broom-sedge HOA-friendly?

Broom-sedge takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Broom-sedge

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Andropogon virginicus

Last reviewed: July 2026

Andropogon virginicus (Broomsedge Bluestem) is a native warm-season grass that blooms bronze to copper from August through October. This drought-tolerant species thrives in full sun across eastern North America.

Broom-sedge (Andropogon virginicus) — Photo: (c) Forest and Kim Starr, some rights reserved (CC BY)

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Broom-sedge as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

24"–60" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, moths

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

Broom-sedge is a tall native bunch grass that forms upright clumps with fine-textured foliage. In late summer and fall, it produces feathery seed heads that turn attractive bronze or copper colors. This drought-tolerant grass goes dormant in winter, turning tan to light brown.

Growing Broom-sedge

Grow Broom-sedge in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Broom-sedge takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Can look weedy and unkempt
Tall height may violate landscaping codes
Dormant season appearance is very informal

Wildlife value

Host plant for skipper butterflies.

The late-season flowers attract bees, beetles, and moths when few other plants are blooming. Seeds provide food for birds, and the dense clumps offer nesting sites and winter cover for small wildlife.

Common questions

When does Andropogon virginicus bloom?: Broomsedge Bluestem produces its characteristic bronze to copper-colored flower heads from August through October, creating attractive fall displays.
What pollinators visit Andropogon virginicus?: This native grass attracts bees, beetles, and moths during its blooming period. The seeds also provide important food for birds and small mammals.
Where is Broomsedge Bluestem native?: Andropogon virginicus is native to eastern North America, including New York and extending south through the southeastern United States.
Is Broom-sedge toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Broom-sedge as toxic to livestock.
Is Broom-sedge HOA-friendly?: Broom-sedge takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Broom-sedge? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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