Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)

Noted for its striking reddish-tan foliage, Schizachyrium scoparium, commonly known as Little Bluestem, is a perennial grass native to North America. Renowned for its adaptability and striking appearance, it is a staple in many natural landscapes, prairies, and gardens. Providing a very long season of interest, Little Bluestem is easy to grow and tolerates heat, drought, and humidity.

Schizachyrium scoparium: An In-depth Look

Little Bluestem is characterized by its upright, clumping growth habit. During the growing season, its stems are a rich blue-green, turning to a striking copper, orange, and red in the fall. This grass stands out for its fine-textured, linear leaves and fluffy seed heads.

Native: It is native to almost all of North America, thriving in prairies, open woods, and meadows. Its extensive range and adaptability to different environments make it a versatile plant in various landscapes.

Plant Type and Habit: As a warm-season grass, it grows most actively during the warmer months. It has a bunching habit, forming an upright clump of fine-textured, slender, arching leaves.

Size: Little Bluestem typically grows to a height of 2 to 4 feet (60-120 cm) and can spread about 1.5 to 2 feet wide (45-60 cm). This size makes it suitable for both small gardens and larger landscapes.

Flowers: The grass produces small, fluffy, silver to white seed heads that are both ornamental and beneficial for wildlife. Delicate inflorescences appear in 3-inch long racemes (7 cm) on branched stems rising above the foliage. At first, inconspicuous, they become particularly attractive after they dry and turn silvery reddish-brown. Their white, shining, cotton-tufted seed heads are of great value to small birds in winter. The flowers give way to seeds that persist into winter, providing food for birds and other wildlife.

Bloom Time: It blooms in late summer to early fall, adding visual interest to gardens when many other plants are beginning to fade.

Foliage: The narrow leaves are initially blue-green, turning to striking copper-orange to dark orange-red in the fall and winter, persisting through winter snows.

Uses: Little Bluestem is used for natural landscaping, erosion control on banks and slopes, and as a component in wildflower gardens and prairie restorations. It’s also popular in ornamental gardens for its seasonal color changes. Excellent choice for drought-prone areas, this architectural grass is perfect for beds and borders, rock gardens, and city or cottage gardens.

Hardiness: Little Bluestem is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9, showcasing its adaptability to a wide range of climates.

Wildlife: Little Bluestem acts as a larval host to nine skipper species, including the common wood nymph (Cercyonis pegala), Dakota skipper (Hesperia dacotae), Leonard’s skipper (Hesperia leonardus), and more. It also offers overwintering shelter for various insects and wildlife. Female bumblebee queens nest at the base of these grasses for protection until spring emergence. Its seeds are especially attractive to songbirds in the winter.

Toxicity: It is not known to be toxic to humans or pets, making it a safe choice for gardens.

Deer and Rabbit: This grass is generally resistant to deer and rabbits, which tend to avoid it due to its texture and taste.

Drought: Little Bluestem is highly drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and water-conserving landscapes.

Invasiveness: Unlike some other grass species, it is not considered invasive and tends to stay where planted, though it can self-seed in favorable conditions.

Benefits: It is valued for its low maintenance requirements, drought tolerance, and ability to thrive in poor soils. Its ecological benefits include providing habitat and food for wildlife, as well as stabilizing soil.

Little Bluestem Growing Tips

Light: Prefers full sun for optimal growth and color. Can tolerate partial shade but with reduced vigor and color intensity.

Soil: Adapts to a wide range of soil types but thrives best in well-drained soil. Tolerates poor soils and clay. It does not persist in highly fertile soils or moist conditions.

Water: Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system, then reduce frequency.

Fertilizer: Generally does not require fertilization. If needed, apply a light amount of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.

Pruning: Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to maintain a tidy appearance.

Propagation: Easily propagated by seed in spring or by division in spring or fall. Self-seeds in favorable conditions.

Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-free. May occasionally be affected by rust or fungal spots in very humid conditions, but these are rarely serious.