Bushy Bluestem

There are several different subspecies of A. glomeratus with different affinities for upland and wetland conditions.

A. glomeratus var. glaucopsis is notable as it has a blue-purple coloration and is almost always found in wetlands.  It is sometimes considered to be a separate species

A. glomeratus var. pumilus has the widest distribution in Florida and based on the relative numbers of herbarium specimens, likely the most common.

A. glomeratus var. hirsuitior is widespread but probably less common than var. pumilis.

A. glomeratus var. glomeratus has no documented herbarium specimens in the southern half of the peninsula.

Uses of the latter 3 varieties should be similar as their habitats are similar.



Background plant in casual landscape. Fruit stalks start out silvery green and transition to and orangy brown. Retains the old stalks through the winter.

Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water.



Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray

May fall over at the end of the season. Will be neater if old stalks are removed before new growth starts in spring.

Seeds eaten by various small birds and other wildlife.

Flatwoods, marshes

• Fall color
• Possible larval host plant for Delaware skipper (Anatrytone logan), Georgia satyr (Neonympha areolata), neamathla skipper (Nastra neamathla), swarthy skipper (Nastra lherminier) and twin-spot skipper (Oligoria maculata) butterflies.