Tangled Branches: Cultivated

happenings in and around my zone 6b gardens in northern Virginia and in central Virginia

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Winter Color: Brown

It's hard to say whether gray or brown is the predominant winter color in central Virginia.

Still, the slanting light of this time of year creates some pretty effects, and the leaf carpet is particularly nice after a rain when the color darkens.

One of the prettier sunlit effects comes from this broomsedge.

Initially I thought this grass might be Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), but after some reading and study I sadly concluded it was Common Broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus). It really is common around here too - considered a weed. Most of the year you wouldn't notice it. I don't anyway. But beginning in late fall, the upright clumps turn a very noticeable golden tan color and you see them everywhere.

Apparently, I can be forgiven for thinking it might be Little Bluestem. The overall effect is very similar, but in winter Broomsedge appears more golden than Little Bluestem's rusty color. Also, the seed heads are rather different according to this herbarium sheet, and this illustration.

Regardless of its status as a common weed, I think it's pretty, but I may plant Little Bluestem for comparison.

Also brown, but not in the grass:

Grasshoppers in the woods in January?!?

Update, January 15: Just discovered this excellent page about Broomsedge and its virtues. Most of the web pages I found want to tell you how to get rid of Broomsedge, but this one tells you how pretty it is in winter.