Plant Spotlight

PLANT SPOTLIGHT Andropogon ternarius Michx. Splitbeard Bluestem Grass Family – Poaceae Groundcover

Map showing distribution of splitbeard bluestem. USDA PLANTS Database.

Description Splitbeard bluestem is a bunch grass that grows to a height of 2 ½ to 3 feet. The paired flowering stalks emerge in the fall and have silvery-white hairs, and are attached to the main grass stem by long stalks measuring up to 2 inches in length.

Distribution & Habitat This species is found in dry, sandy soils throughout the longleaf range. It is especially common in the montane longleaf pine habitat but grows in all nine states where longleaf naturally occurs.

Wildlife Value

Splitbeard bluestem and other bunch grasses provide im-

portant habitat structure (cover) and food sources for many wildlife species, including some butterfly species. Songbirds eat the seeds, and small mammals and deer may browse on this grass when other more edible foods are less available.

Plant Availability This plant is sometimes available from nurseries specializing in native plants. It spreads easily by seed.

Paired flowering arrangement of splitbeard bluestem with the characteristic long stalk that is helpful in differentiating this grass from other Andropogon species. Photo by The Longleaf Alliance.

References Miller, J.H. and K.V. Miller. 2005. Forest Plants of the

Southeast and their Wildlife Uses. The University of

Georgia Press. Athens, GA. 454pp. USDA, NRCS. 2021. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 08/09/2021). National Plant

Data Team, Greensboro, NC USA.