When does Andropogon glomeratus bloom?

Broomsedge blooms from July through October, producing seed heads that persist into winter.

What pollinators visit Andropogon glomeratus?

This native grass attracts bees, butterflies, and moths during its blooming period from summer through fall.

Where is Broomsedge native?

Andropogon glomeratus is native to Massachusetts and other eastern states, where it grows naturally in fields and open areas.

What growing conditions does Broomsedge prefer?

This grass thrives in full sun to partial sun with low to moderate water needs, making it excellent for drought-tolerant landscapes.

Is Broomsedge toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Broomsedge as toxic to livestock.

Is Broomsedge HOA-friendly?

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

Broomsedge

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Andropogon glomeratus

Last reviewed: July 2026

Andropogon glomeratus (Broomsedge) is a native grass found in Massachusetts that blooms from July through October. This drought-tolerant plant attracts bees, butterflies, and moths while thriving in full sun conditions.

Broomsedge (Andropogon glomeratus) — Photo: (c) Gary Rogers, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Gary Rogers

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

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

24"–60" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

AL, AR, CA, CO and 29 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Sonoran Basin and Range

Broomsedge is a native warm-season grass that forms upright clumps with feathery seed heads in late summer and fall. It provides excellent texture and movement in the landscape, turning attractive bronze colors in autumn and winter. This drought-tolerant grass thrives in poor soils where other plants struggle.

Growing Broomsedge

Grow Broomsedge in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Broomsedge 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 appear weedy and unkempt, especially when dormant
May be mistaken for invasive grasses by neighbors
Informal appearance doesn't suit traditional landscaping expectations

Wildlife value

The fluffy seed heads attract various pollinators including bees, butterflies, and moths during its long bloom period. Seeds provide food for birds, and the dense clumps offer nesting sites and winter shelter for small wildlife.

Common questions

When does Andropogon glomeratus bloom?: Broomsedge blooms from July through October, producing seed heads that persist into winter.
What pollinators visit Andropogon glomeratus?: This native grass attracts bees, butterflies, and moths during its blooming period from summer through fall.
Where is Broomsedge native?: Andropogon glomeratus is native to Massachusetts and other eastern states, where it grows naturally in fields and open areas.
What growing conditions does Broomsedge prefer?: This grass thrives in full sun to partial sun with low to moderate water needs, making it excellent for drought-tolerant landscapes.
Is Broomsedge toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Broomsedge as toxic to livestock.
Is Broomsedge HOA-friendly?: Broomsedge 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 Broomsedge? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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