Anatherum ternarium (Michaux) Vorontsova & E.A. Kellogg. Common name: Splitbeard Bluestem. Phenology: Sep-Oct. Habitat: Longleaf pine sandhills, dry to moist soils of woodlands and openings. Distribution: DE and s. NJ west to KY and s. MO, south to FL and TX.
Origin/Endemic status: Native
Taxonomy Comments: Andropogon cabinisii Hackel, sometimes treated as A. ternarius var. cabanisii (Hackel) Fernald & Griscom, is endemic in s. and c. peninsular FL.
Synonymy ⓘ: = Vorontsova et al (2023); = Andropogon ternarius Michx. — HC, K4, NS, POWO, S, Tat, Tx; = Andropogon ternarius Michx. var. ternarius — Ar, FlGr, FNA25, Mo1, Va, Campbell (1983); > Andropogon argyraeus Schult. — S13; > Andropogon scribnerianus Nash — S13; < Andropogon ternarius Michx. — C, ETx1, G, Il, NcTx, RAB, Tn, W, WH3; > Andropogon ternarius Michx. var. glaucescens (Scribn.) Fernald & Griscom — F; > Andropogon ternarius Michx. var. ternarius — F; Andropogon ternarius Michx. Basionym: Andropogon ternarius Michx. 1803
Links to other floras: = Andropogon ternarius var. ternarius - FNA25
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Wetland Indicator Status:
- Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: FACU (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)
- Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: FACU
- Great Plains: FACU (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)
- Midwest: FACU (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)
Heliophily ⓘ: 9
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Horticultural Information
Intro:
Stems:
Leaves:
Inforescence:
Flowers: Silvery Tufted Bloom.
Fruits:
Comments:
Height: 1.5-4 ft.
plant sale text: Formerly known as Andropogon ternarius, this wonderful prairie native boasts great fall color and an attractive late summer bloom. It will thrive in a wide variety of soils as long they are well drained. Try planting it somewhere sandy or rocky. The dried inflorescence can be incorporated into flower arrangements to great effect. Like many native grasses, the seeds of split-beard bluestem are an excellent source of food for birds. The genus Andropogon supports up to 11 species of lepidoptera.
bloom table text: Formerly in the genus Andropogon, this wonderful prairie native boasts great fall color and an attractive late summer bloom. It will thrive in a wide variety of soils as long they are well drained. Try planting it somewhere sandy or rocky. The dried inflorescence can be incorporated into flower arrangements to great effect. Like many native grasses, the seeds of split-beard bluestem are an excellent source of food for birds. The genus Andropogon supports up to 11 species of lepidoptera.
description:
stems:
leaves:
inflorescence:
flowers: Silvery Tufted Bloom.
fruits:
comments:
cultural notes:
germination code: 2
native range: southeastern United States