Bushy Bluestem
Andropogon glomeratus
Last reviewed: August 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.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Bushy Bluestem 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, AZ, CA and 33 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 426 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
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 Bushy Bluestem
Grow Bushy Bluestem 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
Bushy Bluestem 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 Bushy Bluestem toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Bushy Bluestem as toxic to livestock.
- Is Bushy Bluestem HOA-friendly?
- Bushy Bluestem 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Bushy Bluestem? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz