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Summary

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.

Physical Characteristics

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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Astringent Salve

A decoction of the roots is used in the treatment of backaches[222]. A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of diarrhoea[222]. Externally, it is used as a wash for frostbite, sores, itching, piles and poison ivy rash[222, 257].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

A yellow dye is obtained from the stems[257]. Onion skins are sometimes added when making the dye[257]. Sometimes grown as an ornamental plant (but can be weedy).

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a light porous sandy soil in full sun[200]. Plants are often found in very acid soils in the wild[236]. 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[274].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

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.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Invasive in Hawaii and California and weedy in other areas of the US. Releasing persistent herbicidal chemicals to competes with other species. Fire tolerant.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Least Concern.

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Andropogon gerardii	Big Bluestem	Perennial	2.0	4-8		L	N	DM	0	1	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Andropogon virginicus - L.