Poaceae
splitbeard blue stem
Anatherium ternarium
Synonyms
Andropogon ternarius
Other Common Names
bluestem, broomsedge, broomstraw, bunchgrass, silver bluestem, split Bluestem
Plant Type
Grass/Grass-like
Life Cycle
Perennial
Typical Size
2-4 ft. tall
1-2 ft. wide
Tolerant of
Drought
Inolerant of
Poorly Drained Soil
Propagation
By seed, By division
Plant Propagation Notes
No pre-treatment necessary for germination.
Plant Planting Notes
Soils that stay wet too long can cause these plants to rot.
Plants/Diseases
No significant pest or disease issues.
Wildlife Benefits
Fruit/seeds for birds
Leaves
Long, linear leaves are alternate and covered in tiny, fine hairs. Develop a blue tinge and turn red in the fall.
Flowers
Showy grass flowers on three to six racemes.
Fruit
Caryopsis.
Toxicity
No known toxicity.
USDA Hardiness Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Light Exposure
Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade
Soil Moisture
Dry, Medium
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Native in South Carolina?
Yes
Plant Native Habitat
Longleaf pine sandhills and woodland openings with dry to moist soils.
Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)
Secure (G5)
Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)
Not Listed
Distribution Notes
Common in the coastal plain and piedmont. Uncommon in the mountains.