Anatherum glomeratum

Bushy bluestem is a tufting, sturdy, warm-season grass in the Poaceae family native to much of the eastern United States and the south-central and western United States. It can be found growing in swamps, wet savannas, pine flatwoods, bogs, fens, depression ponds, interdune swales, ponds and wet disturbed sites. The genus name comes from the Greek, referring to the hairs on the spikelets of some species in the genus. Specific epithet means clustered in reference to its bushy and broom-like inflorescences.

This grass may grow 2 to 6 feet tall and spread 2 to 3 feet wide. It prefers full sun in moist to wet sites and is not drought-tolerant. It readily reseeds itself and can also be divided as needed to propagate. Tolerates occassional flooding and salt.

The showy clusters of bushy, beard-like, silvery pink flowers appear in the fall and become a coppery orange after a frost. The foliage is blue-green with red tints and turns copper to orange after a frost that lasts into winter.

Use bushy bluestem along bogs, ponds or other wet areas, allowing room for them to spread. They are host plants for some moths and butterflies and provide seed for birds and small mammals.

Fire Risk: This plant has an extreme flammability rating and should not be planted within the defensible space of your home. Select plants with a low flammability rating for the sites nearest your home. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:    No significant problems.