VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Andropogon virginicus | Broomsedge Bluestem 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Broomsedge bluestem is not a particularly important cattle forage but is
sometimes heavily grazed during the spring and early summer on sites
where it is abundant, such as abandoned fields [11,18].  It is generally
considered a poor wildlife forage [9,25].  Small birds remove and eat
seeds from the flowering stalks in the winter when the seeds of other
plants are unavailable [23].


PALATABILITY : 
Broomsedge bluestem's palatability to cattle is low [34].


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
The nutritive value of broomsedge bluestem is low except in early growth
stages.  Nutritional quality is greatly increased by prescribed burning
[see Fire Management Considerations].


COVER VALUE : 
Broomsedge bluestem's chief value to wildlife is as bird nesting cover
[23].  In a Georgia study, it was one of the most common plant species
associated with quail nests.  Quail apparently prefer stands of
broomsedge bluestem because the plants surround and overtop the nest
[12].


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Broomsedge bluestem is a common invader of abandoned coal strip mines
and quarries, and frequently becomes the dominant ground cover [24,32].


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
NO-ENTRY


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Broomsedge bluestem is considered a pasture weed.  It frequently invades
improperly managed pasture lands, and because of its low palatability,
increases on deteriorating ranges.  To reduce its abundance, pastures
should be heavily grazed in the early spring when broomsedge bluestem is
most palatable, and then deferred from grazing for 60 to 90 days [18].
In pastures heavily infested with broomsedge bluestem in Missouri, a
combination of drilling with tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea),
fertilization, winter mowing, and grazing eliminated broomsedge bluestem
in 4 years [28].

Related categories for Species: Andropogon virginicus | Broomsedge Bluestem