Bush Beardgrass
Bush beardgrass (bushy bluestem)
(Andropogon glomeratus var. pumilus)
(Poaceae)
This OISC target pest was previously identified as Schizachyrium condensatum.
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