Bush Beardgrass

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

(Poaceae)

This OISC target pest was previously identified as Schizachyrium condensatum.

Hawai‘i-Pacific Weed Risk Assessment Score: 13 (High Risk); Visit https://plantpono.org for more info

Weed Fire Risk Score = 0.81 (This species is likely a high fire risk in Hawai’i); Visit https://pacificfireexchange.org/weed-fire-risk-assessments/ for more information

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.
  • Unbranched below, freely branching above. Leaves 16 inches long by 0.3 inches wide. Inflorescences at stem terminals, loose, numerous spikes (racemes), light colored.

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

Uses:

  • Unpalatable to goats and not regarded as an important forage grass.

In Hawaii:

  • Oahu: OISC currently works to control populations in Hālawa 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 Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Kaʻū District, , where it was first collected in 1961.
  • Midway: First established in 1979 near the runway
  • Naturalized along roadsides and in open sites in mesic shrubland and grassland, 210-1,310 m, on Kaua’i, O’ahu, and Hawai’i. Primarily occurring in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

 

For more information, see: