Broomsedge is showiest in fall and winter when it has gone dormant and its color has faded to bronze/orange. It would make a great ornamental grass in rock gardens or areas with poor, dry soil.
It thrives on disturbed sites and relies on periodic disturbances in order to really persist. This makes it a good companion for our Dry Shallow Soil seed mix. The broomsedge will really take off for the first few years, and then it will yield to the wildflowers after they've had a chance to establish themselves. Little bluestem can also be a good choice, but it has a tendency towards dominance and, over time, can out-compete some of the forbs.
Birds consume broomsedge seeds, and quail use it for cover and nesting habitat. Quail also consume the various insects, including leaf hoppers, beetles, and the larvae of at least two species of skipper butterflies, that feed on broomsedge plants.
Uses: Drought tolerant, quail, ornamental grass, poor growing conditions
Bloom time: September - October
Height: 18 to 36 inches
Space: 12 to 24 inches
Sun: Full sun to light shade
Moisture: Dry to average
Seed: Sow seed sometime between March and June. It is a warm-season grass that should germinate when the soil temperature begins to maintain temps of 55-60 degrees F. Broomsedge has light, fluffy seed. Use a higher seeding rate when broadcasting the seed (versus using a drill) and use a carrier such as rice hulls or sawdust.
- 200 seeds per packet
- 15,600 seeds per ounce
- 200 to 400 square feet per ounce
- 8 to 12 pounds per acre
