Andropogon ternarius Michx.

Split Beard Bluestem

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Split Beard Bluestem is a native herbaceous perennial in the Grass family (Poaceae). It can be found throughout most of Alabama. Split Beard Bluestem occurs in pine woodlands, in old fields, in pastures, in prairies, on roadsides, and in other dry, open habitats. It is a perennial with a fibrous root system. It is a warn season bunchgrass—growing during the summer months and forming discrete clumps. The stems are from 1-4 feet in height and branched in the upper third. The branches are erect. The stems are green or reddish in color and often glaucous. Basal leaves form a discrete clump. The leaves are flat, linear in outline and glabrous or pubescent. The stem leaves are alternate with sheaths that are pubescent. Flowers are produced in paired terminal racemes. The racemes are pubescent with long white hairs, and are on long exerted peduncles. Spikelets are produced in pairs along the racemes. One spikelets is fertile and pedicellate and the other sessile and sterile. The lemma of the spikelet is awned. Split Beard Bluestem is available as seed or plants from some native plant nurseries. It is sometimes used for erosion control. It is very ornamental, and provides interest throughout the late fall and winter months. It prefers a well-draining soil in full sun. Once established it is drought tolerant.--A. Diamond

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Native

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