Andropogon virginicus

Broomsedge

Also known as:

Bluestem, whiskey grass

Family: Poaceae

Origin: North America

Broomsedge growing wild in a field.
Older stems and leaves turn reddish-brown or brownish-orange in colour.
Photo credit: Forest and Kim Starr

Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) status

  • Whole region — Eradication
  • Hauraki Gulf Controlled Area Notice pest

View more about the RPMP statuses

General description

Perennial clumping grass < 1 m tall. Stems and leaves are green and turn purplish, then orange, then straw coloured with age. Flowers are straw-coloured and borne in inflorescences.

What you need to know

To help protect our environment:

  • You must not breed, distribute, release or sell broomsedge within the Auckland region.
  • You must not plant broomsedge within the Auckland region.

Auckland Council will control broomsedge at all sites where it is known to occur.

If you see broomsedge anywhere in the Auckland region, please report it to Auckland Council at pestfree@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

Habitats

Disturbed sites, poor soils, open habitats.

Dispersal

Seeds dispersed by wind and attachment to animal pelts.

Impact on environment

Highly competitive, smothers existing vegetation and alters soil composition via allelopathy.

Control

Recommended approaches

Do not attempt to undertake control of this species. Please report to Auckland Council.

Caution: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.

Broomsedge growing wild in a field.
Older stems and leaves turn reddish-brown or brownish-orange in colour.
Photo credit: Forest and Kim Starr
Close up of broomsedge flowerhead.
Broomsedge produces large amounts of small seeds that easily disperse on the wind.