Big Bluestem 'Red October'

Broomsedge looks its best in the fall and winter when it has become dormant and turned bronze or orange. It's an excellent choice for rock gardens or areas with poor, dry soil as an ornamental grass.

This grass does well in disturbed areas and needs occasional disruptions to thrive. That's why it's a good fit for our Dry Shallow Soil seed mix. In the first few years, broomsedge will flourish, giving way to the wildflowers once they've had a chance to establish themselves. Little bluestem is also a good option, but it tends to dominate and can eventually out-compete some of the other plants.

Birds feed on broomsedge seeds, and quail use them for cover and nesting. Quail also consumes various insects, such as leafhoppers, beetles, and the larvae of at least two skipper butterflies that feed on broomsedge plants.