Bushy Bluestem
Anatherum glomeratum
Also known as: roughglume bushy bluestem
- Native to:
- Bahamas, Cayman Is., Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Mexico, Navassa Island, Puerto Rico, Turks-Caicos Is., United States, Windward Is.
iNaturalist: © rbyrne (iNaturalist #256885745)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Anatherum
- Species:
- Anatherum glomeratum
- USDA Symbol:
- ANGL2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- aug,sep,oct,nov
Host Plant for Caterpillars
⚠️Cobweb Skipper (Hesperia metea)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- bronze, tan
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from the base following fire. Commonly found in fire-maintained pine savannas and sandhills where periodic burning promotes stand health.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily with warm temperatures and consistent moisture. Light may improve germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI