Andropogon brachystachyus, commonly known as Shortspike Bluestem, is a deciduous perennial grass native to the tallgrass prairies and open woodlands of the Southeastern United States, particularly Florida. It typically grows to a height of 5-12 feet (1.5-3.7 meters) and a width of up to 3 feet (0.9 meters), featuring a clumping form with upright stems and bluish-green foliage that turns a striking orange-red in the fall. The inflorescences are less conspicuous, with short, spiky arrangements that give the plant its common name. Flowering occurs in late summer to early fall.

Shortspike Bluestem is valued for its adaptability to a range of soil conditions, its contribution to soil conservation, and its use as a forage plant for livestock. It is also appreciated for its ornamental qualities, particularly its fall coloration, and is used in naturalistic plantings, prairie restorations, and as a vertical accent in gardens. This grass thrives in full sun and is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It prefers well-drained soils but can adapt to various soil types. While generally low-maintenance, it can self-seed and become weedy in some conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0