Roughglume Bushy Bluestem: A Hidden Gem for Native Grass Enthusiasts
Meet roughglume bushy bluestem (Andropogon glomeratus var. scabriglumis), a native grass that’s flying under the radar in most gardening circles. This perennial beauty belongs to the prestigious bluestem family, known for their stunning fall colors and incredible wildlife value. While it may not be as famous as its cousin big bluestem, this particular variety has its own unique charm that makes it worth considering for your native landscape.
Where Does Roughglume Bushy Bluestem Call Home?
This native grass has a somewhat limited range, naturally occurring in California and New Mexico. As a true native to the lower 48 states, it’s perfectly adapted to the specific conditions found in these southwestern regions. Its restricted distribution makes it a special addition to gardens within its native range.
Why Consider This Native Grass?
There are several compelling reasons to give roughglume bushy bluestem a spot in your garden:
- True native credentials: Supporting local ecosystems by choosing plants that evolved in your area
- Perennial reliability: Once established, this grass will return year after year
- Low maintenance: Native plants typically require less water and care once established
- Authentic regional character: Adds genuine local flavor to your landscape design
A Note About Rarity
Here’s something important to know: roughglume bushy bluestem has a conservation status that deserves our attention. With a Global Conservation Status of S5T3?, this variety falls into a category that needs careful consideration. If you’re interested in growing this grass, please make sure to source it responsibly from reputable native plant nurseries or seed suppliers who can verify its origins.
Garden Design Ideas
As a member of the grass family, roughglume bushy bluestem works beautifully in several landscape settings:
- Prairie gardens: Perfect for recreating authentic grassland ecosystems
- Native plant gardens: An excellent choice for dedicated native plant enthusiasts
- Natural landscapes: Ideal for low-maintenance, naturalistic designs
- Restoration projects: Valuable for habitat restoration in its native range
Growing Tips and Care
While specific growing information for this variety is limited, we can draw from the general care requirements of bushy bluestem grasses:
- Sunlight: Likely prefers full sun conditions
- Soil: Probably adaptable to various soil types, as most native grasses are
- Water: Once established, should be drought tolerant like other native grasses
- Maintenance: Cut back in late winter before new growth emerges
The Bottom Line
Roughglume bushy bluestem is a grass for the native plant purist who wants to grow something truly special and regionally appropriate. Its limited range means it’s not for everyone, but if you’re gardening in California or New Mexico and want to support local plant diversity, this could be your grass.
Just remember to source it responsibly and consider it a privilege to grow such a unique native variety. Sometimes the most rewarding plants in our gardens are the ones that few people know about – they’re like having a botanical secret that connects you directly to your local landscape’s natural heritage.
Whether you’re creating a prairie garden, working on habitat restoration, or simply want to try something authentically native, roughglume bushy bluestem deserves a closer look from dedicated native plant gardeners in its home range.
