Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Andropogoneae
Grass Category
Native Prairie Grass, Ornamental Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Native ecotype (generic); popular cultivars include 'The Blues' and 'Standing Ovation'
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3 through 9; excellent cold and heat tolerance; goes dormant after first hard frost.
About This Grass
An upright, ornamental bunchgrass reaching 2-4 feet. Features blue-green summer foliage that shifts to striking mahogany-red or copper colors in autumn. Known for fuzzy, silver-white seed heads that catch the light.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-5mm); flat or folded at the base; pointed tips; blue-green to glaucous color; folded vernation; ligule is a short ciliate membrane; auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system extending up to 5-8 feet deep; highly efficient at preventing erosion; forms dense, stable clumps; low thatch tendency.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to North America, widespread across the Great Plains and Eastern United States
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming), non-spreading to very weakly rhizomatous
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (6+ hours); low water requirements; high drought tolerance; prefers well-drained soils; adaptable to wide pH range (5.0 to 8.0).
Mowing & Maintenance
Maintenance range 12-48 inches (rarely mowed); if used as groundcover, mow once in late winter to 2-4 inches to remove old growth; low fertilization needs (0-1 lb N/1000 sq ft); Low maintenance.
Special Characteristics
Extreme drought tolerance; deer resistant; excellent winter interest/color; high salt tolerance; provides vertical structure in winter; very low water use once established.
Ecological Information
Keystone native species; larval host for several Skipper butterfly species; provides nesting material and cover for ground-nesting birds; seeds provides winter food for songbirds; exceptional soil stabilizer.