Ever hear of broom sedge? No, it’s not even a member of the sedge (Carex) family. It is more correctly Andropogon virginicus.
Since 2016, volunteer steward Bill Rogers has expressed concern about broom sedge appearing at Amboy Marsh Nature Preserve. Several biologists noted that it is a native species and may be naturally-occurring at AMNP. But no other site that we have viewed in Lee County has broom sedge. And it is irrefutable that in areas we have cleared of woody invasives (see picture of Indian Ridge West below) little bluestem re-appeared soon after removal of woody brush, but now, due to broom sedge’s allelopathic qualities, the little bluestem has disappeared. It’s all broom sedge. Indian Ridge West is a spectacular area with species such as goat’s rue, birdsfoot violet, huckleberry and blueberry, aronia and other good natives; we cannot let broom sedge invade.
First identified at Amboy Marsh Nature Preserve by botanist Bill Handel at Orchid Wetland, the small population has grown and has invaded both wet and dry areas. Known for loving poor soils like we have (sand) and coming in on disturbed ground (which we have when we remove woody invasives), broom sedge has migrated over most of the 302 acres of AMNP by 2021. Bill Rogers sounded the alarm once again in 2020; Deb Carey talked to with a person at Braidwood Dunes INP because Braidwood has a problem with broom sedge. In spring 2021 it was evident to Bill that we must begin aggressive control. Yes, broom sedge is a problem regardless of some people’s view of it being native.
Broom sedge is allelopathic and a serious danger in creating a monoculture.
It is considered a pasture grass since it was (and still is) planted as a forage grass. But most southern states list it as invasive and very poor for pasture.
It is very common in poor soils in southern Illinois.
Hand pulling works if you have tiny populations.
Clethodim herbicide works; Clethodim is a grass herbicide so it also kills little bluestem so great care is needed in its application to broom sedge.
Broom sedge starts growing late and quits growing early so June and July are the best times to foliar spray. And spray while the plants are small. If you wait until they are tall, then you use too much spray and kill other things.
Broom sedge came probably into our area in the 1930s and 1940s. It is possible that horseback riders that have ridden in southern Illinois, Missouri and Tennessee have brought the seeds north in horse manure. But it was also commonly used as pasture seeding.
Fire does not kill or damage broom sedge.
Broom sedge has a long-lasting and heavy seed bank so do not be discouraged if you see it reappear after you have removed it.
After discussion with the IAS Land Steward, Bill and Deb contacted Resource Environmental Solutions LLC and they sent a 4-person crew to begin control on July 1 and 2. We look forward to seeing the results of this work!