Origin
Andropogon eucomus Nees, commonly known as bushy bluestem, is a species of grass that is native to the United States. It is primarily found in the southeastern region and can be seen growing in open woodlands, savannas, and prairies.
Common Names
Bushy bluestem is also known by several other common names such as broomsedge bluestem, yellow bluestem, and brushy beardgrass. These names usually reflect the plant's bushy growth habit and blue-green foliage color.
Uses
Andropogon eucomus Nees is a valuable forage grass for livestock such as cattle, horses, and sheep. It can tolerate moderate drought and harsh soil conditions, making it a popular choice for grazing pastures in the southeastern U.S. Additionally, it can help prevent soil erosion due to its extensive root system.
General Appearance
Bushy bluestem can grow up to 5 feet tall with a width of 2-3 feet. Its leaves are long and narrow with a blue-green coloration, and its stem is slender and wiry. Its inflorescence is a spike-like structure that can be up to 10 inches long and is composed of numerous tiny, brownish-purple flowers that bloom from late summer to early fall.
Light conditions
Andropogon eucomus Nees is a sun-loving plant and requires full sunlight exposure to thrive. It cannot tolerate shade or low light conditions, which can impede its growth and development. Ideally, the plant should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.
Temperature requirements
Andropogon eucomus Nees is a warm-season grass that thrives in hot temperatures. The plant prefers temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with a minimum temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures below the minimum limit can damage the plant, causing stunted growth or death.
Soil requirements
Andropogon eucomus Nees thrives in well-draining soils with moderate to high fertility levels. The plant does best in loamy or sandy soils with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.0. The soil should be deep enough to allow for proper root development, and it should not be waterlogged or compacted, as this can hinder the plant's growth. If the soil is deficient in nutrients, adding organic matter such as compost or manure can improve its fertility.
Cultivation
Andropogon eucomus Nees, also known as Blue Indian grass, is a warm-season ornamental grass that is fairly easy to grow. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. This plant prefers moist, well-drained soil but can also handle dry soil conditions. It's best to plant this grass in the early spring, after the last frost.
Watering Needs
Andropogon eucomus Nees requires moderate watering. It's essential to water the plant regularly during the first few months after planting, allowing the roots to establish themselves. Once established, the plant can handle dry soil conditions, making it drought-tolerant.
Fertilization
Andropogon eucomus Nees does not require frequent fertilization. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the early spring to encourage healthy growth. However, over-fertilizing can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Andropogon eucomus Nees is a low-maintenance ornamental grass that requires minimal pruning. Deadheading is not necessary as the plant produces attractive seed heads that can add to its visual appeal. In late winter or early spring, you can cut the plant down to the ground to make way for new growth.
Propagation of Andropogon eucomus Nees
Andropogon eucomus Nees, commonly known as the Blue-stemmed Andropogon or Indian Warrior grass, is a native prairie grass that can grow up to 7 feet tall. The plant can be propagated through different methods including seed propagation, division, and transplanting.
Seed Propagation
The most common propagation method for Andropogon eucomus is through seeds. The seeds can be collected by either clipping the seed heads or by allowing the mature seeds to naturally drop to the soil. The seeds should be sowed about 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep in the soil and maintained in a moist and warm environment, preferably with a soil temperature of 70°F to 80°F. The seeds should germinate within two to four weeks and can be transplanted after the seedlings have developed a strong root system.
Division
Andropogon eucomus can also be propagated through division. The plant should be divided during the spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing. The process involves digging up the plant and carefully separating the clumps into smaller sections. The sections should have an appropriate number of roots and shoots and should be planted immediately in their desired location. The newly divided plants should be watered regularly and kept in a shaded area for a few days to prevent excessive water loss.
Transplanting
Transplanting Andropogon eucomus can be done in the spring or fall. The plant should be dug out with as much of the root ball as possible and transplanted to its new location. The new location should be rich in organic matter, well-draining, and have a similar soil pH level. The plant should be kept well-watered for the first few weeks to allow it to establish its root system in its new location.
Disease Management
Andropogon eucomus Nees is vulnerable to different diseases that can impact its growth and productivity, including:
- Leaf blight: caused by the fungus Exserohilum turcicum, which results in oval or spindle-shaped spots on the leaves. The disease can be managed through cultural practices, including crop rotation, avoiding water stress, and the use of resistant varieties.
- Leaf spots: caused by the fungus Bipolaris spicifera, which results in circular or oval spots on the leaves. The disease can be managed through cultural practices, including removing and destroying infected leaves, avoiding overhead irrigation, and maintaining proper plant spacing and ventilation.
- Rust: caused by the fungus Puccinia sp., which results in yellow or brownish-orange pustules on the leaves. The disease can be managed through cultural practices, including maintaining soil fertility, avoiding water stress, and the use of resistant varieties.
- Anthracnose: caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, which results in dark, sunken lesions on the leaves and stems. The disease can be managed through cultural practices, including removing and destroying infected plant debris, proper pruning and ventilation, and the use of resistant varieties.
Pest Management
Andropogon eucomus Nees is also prone to pest infestations that can cause extensive damage to the plant, including:
- Corn earworm: also known as the cotton bollworm, it is a destructive pest that feeds on the leaves and developing ears of the plant. The pest can be managed through cultural practices, including crop rotation, the use of resistant varieties, and the application of biological controls such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
- Fall armyworm: a highly mobile pest that feeds on leaves, stems, and developing ears. It can be managed through cultural practices, including proper field sanitation, the use of pheromone traps, and the application of biological controls such as parasitic wasps and nematodes.
- Stem borers: including the sugarcane borer and the maize stalk borer, these pests tunnel into the stems of the plant, weakening it and causing wilt and lodging. The pests can be managed through cultural practices, including the use of resistant varieties and the application of insecticides.
- Grasshoppers: voracious feeders that can consume entire leaves and stems, leaving the plant exposed to diseases and other pests. The pests can be managed through cultural practices, including the use of barriers such as sticky bands and the application of insecticides.
