Broom Sedge

Field of Coppery Broom Sedge. Image by Kanoelani Achi

Broom Sedge- Andropogan virginicus

Broom Sedge is a soil stabilzing native perennial grass that is more prevalent in Eastern North American pastureland. In the Spring, Broom Sedge emerges as a green foliage, but in the Fall and Winter it turns into a brilliant coppery grass with silvery hairs that refract the sunlight. Broom Sedge is a drought tolerant, disease resistant, pest free plant that grows in low-fertility soils or eroded fields. The grass is invasive to other parts of North America and its clumps of wispy tufts can grow to about 3-4 feet tall. Broom Sedge produces a chemical weed killer that suppresses the germination and growth of competitive species.

Broom and Wreath made out of Broom Sedge grass. Image by Kanoelani Achi.

Broom Sedge- Uses

Broom Sedge makes an excellent habitat for wildlife. Although its mature growth is low in nutrients & unpalatable, its tender new growth is good for deer & livestock. Broom Sedge is a good indicator of poor soil health and will naturally disappear as soil fertility improves. The grass provides a low cover wind break during colder months for livestock such as goats and sheep. In windy conditions, the swaying grass resemble ocean swells and can be used for land navigation. Early pioneer homesteaders attached the stems to sticks and trimmed the edges to form a useful broom. Broom Sedge can also be used to make a beautiful feathery wreath used for decoration.

Cori holding a bunch of Broom Sedge harvested from her field. Image by Kanoelani Achi.

Sources:

University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Research & Extension Plant of the Week: Broomsedge

https://www.uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-week/broomsedge-2-02-07.aspx

Little Seed Farm- The Benefits of Broomsedge

https://littleseedfarm.com/blogs/news/the-benefit-of-broomsedge

New Moon Nursery- Andropogon virginicus, Broom sedge

https://www.newmoonnursery.com/plant/Andropogon-virginicus

Gardenia Creating Gardens- Andropogan virginicus (Broom Sedge)

https://www.gardenia.net/plant/andropogon-virginicus