Broomsedge

Andropogon virginicus

Weed Description
A perennial grass that forms clumps in many pastures, hay fields, and abondoned fields, and often goes unnoticed until it matures into a reddish-brown clump of broom-like leaves. Found in the eastern half of the United States and in California.

Seedlings
Young leaves are folded in the shoot, to the point that plants take on a compressed appearance. Sheaths are also flat. Leaves have hairs at the base of the leaf blade and also have a membranous ligule.

Leaves
Leaves are folded in the shoot and are without auricles. A membranous ligule occurs that is approximately 1 to 2 mm long and rounded (sometimes with hairs along the top). Leaf blades are distinctly keeled and approximately 4 to 6 mm wide and from 4 to 24 inches in length. Leaves are usually hairy near the leaf base. Leaves and sheaths turn reddish-brown with maturity and were once used in early times as brooms.

Stems
Sheaths are distinctly flattened and often have long hairs along the overlapping margins.

Flowers
A thin panicle that is produced in the upper half of the stems. The panicle is almost inconspicuous until the hairy spikelets start to emerge and disperse.

Roots
Fibrous root system and short, almost unnoticeable, rhizomes.

Identifying Characteristics
Plants with distinctly flattened leaves and sheaths that turn reddish-brown with maturity.

Office of Programs

University of Missouri

Broomsedge

Andropogon virginicus