Broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus) is a perennial weed frequently found in fields, along roadsides, and in openings to forests and pastures. It can be distinguished from other grasses by the flattened leaf sheaths which have obvious leaf hairs. Leaves with folded vernation arise from a basal crown. Immature plants are bluish-green, however mature leaves turn light brown and appear to be dry. These upright leaves remain standing throughout the year.

Perennial grass weeds are not desirable as turfgrass species under any conditions. Therefore, every effort should be made to prevent these weedy grasses from becoming established in turf, as selective control measures are usually difficult. Selection of adapted turfgrass species and cultivars and the use of cultural practices are important in minimizing weedy grass encroachment and competition. Management practices include: (1) mowing at the recommended height for the selected turfgrass and removing clippings when seedheads of grassy weeds are present; (2) applying the proper amount of nitrogen at the correct time according to the turfgrass present; and (3) using soil tests to determine needed nutrients and lime.

• SEEDHEAD / FLOWER
  • spikelets are in racemes of groups of 2-4
    Figure 1
• VERNATION TYPE
  • leaves folded in the bud
    ​Figure 2, Figure 3
• LIGULE TYPE
  • membranous; sharp pointed to collar-like, hairs along edge, no hairs on back of ligule
    Figure 4, Figure 5
• GROWTH SEASON / LIFE CYCLE
  • perennial weed
• AURICLE TYPE
  • absent
• LEAF BLADE TIP SHAPE
  • sharp-pointed; flat, hairy near base above, smooth to rough below, edges rough and with hairs
• LEAF BLADE WIDTH
  • 0.1 - 0.28 inches (3 - 7 mm) wide
    Figure 6
• STOLON PRESENCE
  • absent
• RHIZOME PRESENCE
  • absent
• COLLAR TYPE
  • divided; mostly hairy on edges
    ​Figure 7, Figure 8
• SHEATH MARGIN
  • split with overlapping margins; sheath has long hairs on edges
    Figure 9, Figure 10, Figure 11
• SHEATH TYPE
  • very flattened, sharply creased
    Figure 12

Figure 1. Broomsedge seedhead.

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Figure 1. Broomsedge seedhead.

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Figure 2. Broomsedge vernation.

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Figure 2. Broomsedge vernation.

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Figure 3. Broomsedge vernation.

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Figure 3. Broomsedge vernation.

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Figure 4. Broomsedge ligule.

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Figure 4. Broomsedge ligule.

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Figure 5. Broomsedge ligule.

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Figure 5. Broomsedge ligule.

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Figure 6. Broomsedge blade width.

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Figure 6. Broomsedge blade width.

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Figure 7. Broomsedge collar.

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Figure 7. Broomsedge collar.

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Figure 8. Broomsedge collar.

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Figure 8. Broomsedge collar.

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Figure 9. Broomsedge sheath margin.

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Figure 9. Broomsedge sheath margin.

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Figure 10. Broomsedge sheath margin.

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Figure 10. Broomsedge sheath margin.

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Figure 11. Broomsedge sheath margin.

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Figure 11. Broomsedge sheath margin.

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Figure 12. Broomsedge sheath type.

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Figure 12. Broomsedge sheath type.

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