Bushy Bluestem

Andropogon glomeratus, Poaceae

Zones

5–10

Layer

Herbaceous

Lifespan

Perennial

Growth

Moderate

Guild Roles

Ground CoverMulch MakerBeneficial Insect Habitat

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (preferred)Partial Shade (tolerated)

Water

Moderate (established)Moderate (seedling)

Soil pH

4.5 – 7

Tolerances

Drought

Frost

Heat

Pest Resistance

Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Wild TantanDesmanthus virgatus

Nitrogen Fixation

Arrowleaf CloverTrifolium vesiculosum

Nitrogen FixationBeneficial Insect Habitat

Northern SweetvetchHedysarum boreale

Nitrogen FixationWind Protection

Antagonistic Plants

Japanese ArrowrootPueraria montana var. lobata

Japanese arrowroot aggressively covers and smothers bushy bluestem in warm humid climates

Chinese Bush CloverLespedeza cuneata

Chinese bush clover can suppress bushy bluestem through allelopathic compounds and root competition

Intermediate WheatgrassThinopyrum intermedium

Grasses produce allelopathic compounds and have aggressive root systems that compete strongly

Uses

Functions

Soil BuildingErosion ControlBiomass ProductionWildlife Habitat

Edible Parts

Seeds

Common Questions

What zones does Bushy Bluestem grow in?

Bushy Bluestem grows in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 10.

What are good companion plants for Bushy Bluestem?

Good companions for Bushy Bluestem include Wild Tantan, Arrowleaf Clover, Northern Sweetvetch.

Design guilds with Bushy Bluestem and see companion relationships visually.

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