Definition

Noun: 1. A type of grass used for making brooms: "Broom grass" refers to any of several tall, stiff grasses, particularly from the genus Andropogon, whose stems are suitable for being bound together to make brooms.

Usage Notes

• "Broom grass" is a common name, not a precise botanical term. It primarily refers to grasses whose durable, often woody stems are harvested for the craft of broom-making.
• It is typically used as a mass noun (e.g., "a field of broom grass," "harvesting broom grass").

Examples

• The artisans gathered broom grass from the prairie to weave into traditional sweeping tools.
• Broom grass has been cultivated for centuries for its utility in creating household and ceremonial brooms.
• The stiff, straight stalks of broom grass are ideal for the task.

Advanced Usage

• "Broom grass" as a cultivated crop: In some regions, specific species like (broomsedge) are managed as a crop for broom-making.
  • Example: The community's economy once relied heavily on the cultivation of broom grass.

Variants and Related Words

• Broomsedge (n): A common name for , a specific type of grass often called broom grass. It is known for its reddish-brown color in autumn.
• Broomcorn (n): A related but distinct plant ( var. ) whose stiff panicle (flower head) is used specifically for making brooms, not the grass stems.

Synonyms

• Broom straw: A near-synonym often used interchangeably with "broom grass" to describe the raw material.
• Bunchgrass: A general term for grasses that grow in clumps; some bunchgrasses may be suitable as broom grass.

Related Phrases

• To harvest broom grass: The specific action of cutting and gathering the grass for use.
  • Example: It was a family tradition to harvest broom grass every fall.

Noun

1. any of several grasses of the genus Andropogon; used in broom making