Broomsedge: Andropogon virginicus
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Weed Description: A perennial grass that forms clumps in many pastures, hay fields, and abondoned fields, and often goes unnoticed until it matures into a reddish-brown clump of broom-like leaves. Found in the eastern half of the United States and in California. |
| Seedling: Young leaves are folded in the shoot, to the point that plants take on a compressed appearance. Sheaths are also flat. Leaves have hairs at the base of the leaf blade and also have a membranous ligule. |  |
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Leaves: Leaves are folded in the shoot and are without auricles. A membranous ligule occurs that is approximately 1 to 2 mm long and rounded (sometimes with hairs along the top). Leaf blades are distinctly keeled and approximately 4 to 6 mm wide and from 4 to 24 inches in length. Leaves are usually hairy near the leaf base. Leaves and sheaths turn reddish-brown with maturity and were once used in early times as brooms. |
| Stems: Sheaths are distinctly
flattened and often have long hairs along the overlapping margins. Flowers: A thin panicle that is produced in the upper half of the stems. The panicle is almost inconspicuous until the hairy spikelets start to emerge and disperse. |
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Roots: Fibrous root system and
short, almost unnoticeable, rhizomes. Identifying Characteristics: Plants with distinctly flattened leaves and sheaths that turn reddish-brown with maturity. |