Bush beardgrass (bushy bluestem)
(Andropogon glomeratus var. pumilus)

(Poaceae)

Description:

• Tall grass to 2 m (6 ft) that grows in dense clumps
• Produces large, broom-like tufted seed heads
• Native to tropical and subtropical America, introduction history unknown.

Harm:

• Thick growth displaces native plants.
• Grows along roadsides, in disturbed areas and in open sites in shrub land and grassland.
• Each plant produces millions of seeds that are spread by the wind, animals, vehicles and people.
• Dry grass promotes fires and quickly regrows after wildfires.
• Drought tolerant, yet is able to flourish in wetter areas

In Hawaii:

• Oahu: OISC currently works to control populations in Halawa Valley along the H-3.
• Maui: None known
• Molokai: None known
• Lanai: None known
• Kahoolawe: None known
• Kauai: None known
• Big Island: Well established in lower pastures of Kahuku unit of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kau District
• Midway: First established in 1979 near the runway

For more information, see:

• Andropogon glomeratus var. pumilus information from USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center