Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Andropogoneae
Grass Category
Native Prairie Grass, Ornamental, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Likely a wild-type or common variety; note the characteristic reddish-purple fall/winter pigmentation appearing on the lower stems/leaves.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3-9; excellent heat and cold tolerance; becomes dormant and turns tan/copper after hard frost.
About This Grass
An upright, clump-forming grass reaching 2-4 feet when unmowed. Noted for its color transition from blue-green in summer to mahogany-red or purple in autumn. Produces fluffy, silver-white seed heads in late summer.
Blade Characteristics
Medium width (3-6mm), flat or folded at base, pointed tips. Blue-green to green in summer, turning reddish-purple. Folded vernation, short membranous ligule with hairs, no auricles.
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system extending 5-8 feet deep. Low thatch tendency, slow to moderate establishment from seed but forms a very stable, drought-tolerant clump.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Central and Eastern North America; widely adapted to North American tallgrass prairies.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming); forms dense tufts with a circular growth pattern.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6 hours); very low watering needs once established; high drought tolerance; prefers well-drained, lean soils with pH 5.0-8.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
For ornamental use, leave standing in winter and cut to 2-4 inches in early spring. If used as rough turf, mow at 4+ inches monthly. Low maintenance: 0-1 lb N per 1000 sq ft annually.
Special Characteristics
Excellent drought resistance, highly salt tolerant, provides striking winter interest with upright bronze foliage, extremely effective for soil stabilization on slopes.
Ecological Information
Native species; vital for prairie restoration. Provides nesting material and cover for ground-nesting birds; larval host for several skipper butterflies (e.g., Dusted Skipper).