Schizachyrium cirratum, commonly known as Texas Bluestem, is a deciduous perennial grass native to prairies, open woodlands, and savannas in the Southwestern United States and Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and a width of 0.5-3 feet (0.2-0.9 meters), featuring blue-green foliage that turns a striking orange-red in the fall. The plant produces fluffy, silver-white seed heads that add visual interest and can persist into winter, providing food for birds and small mammals.

Texas Bluestem is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for naturalistic plantings, erosion control, and restoration projects. It is also used in ornamental gardens for its colorful fall foliage and textural seed heads. This grass prefers full sun and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While generally low-maintenance, it can self-seed and spread, which should be considered when planting in smaller spaces.CC BY-SA 4.0