Noted for its striking reddish-tan foliage, Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) is a densely-tufted, deciduous, perennial grass forming an upright clump of fine-textured, slender, arching, blue-green leaves. The foliage of this North American prairie native turns striking copper-orange to dark orange-red in the fall and winter, persisting through winter snows. In late summer, delicate inflorescences appear in 3 in. 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 seedheads are of great value to small birds in winter. Providing a very long season of interest, Little Bluestem is easy to grow, tolerates heat, drought and humidity. It is an attractive addition to the landscape and can be used as an accent in borders, or in drifts in natural settings where it will mix happily with prairie wildflowers.

• Grows up to 2-4 ft. tall (60-120 cm) and 18-24 in. (45-60 cm). This plant readily reseeds.
• Performs best in full sun in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. This plant is not fussy about soils and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including poor soils and clay. It does not persist in highly fertile soils or in moist conditions.
• Excellent choice for drought-prone gardens, this architectural grass is perfect for beds and borders where it will easily combine with other plants, rock gardens, prairie plantings, city or cottage gardens. Great for erosion control on banks and slopes.
• Drought tolerant, it requires very little care and is virtually pest and disease free. Deer resistant
• Cut to the ground in late winter to early spring.
• Propagate by seed or division.
• Native to eastern North America.