Little Bluestem

(Schizachyrium scoparium)

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Schizachyrium scoparium, commonly known as Little Bluestem, is a perennial grass that is deciduous in colder climates and may remain semi-deciduous in warmer areas. It is native to prairies, open woodlands, and fields across the Eastern, Central and Intermountain United States, extending into Northeastern Mexico. This grass typically grows to a height of 4 feet (1.2 meters) and a width of 2 feet (0.6 meters). Little Bluestem forms an upright, roundish mound of soft, bluish-green or grayish-green blades in spring and summer, transitioning to striking coppery, orange, red, or purple tones in the fall. It is valued for its hardiness, drought resistance, and the winter interest it provides when left uncut.

Little Bluestem is well-suited for naturalistic plantings, prairie restorations, and as an ornamental grass in gardens due to its adaptability and low maintenance requirements. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, tolerating a range of soil types from clay to sand. While it requires little water once established, it benefits from occasional burning in late winter or early spring to remove old growth and stimulate new shoots. It is not typically divided for propagation, as it grows from a central crown that does not spread widely. Potential problems include rust and fungal leaf spots, though these are generally not severe.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 2-4 feet
  • Width: 1.5-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Prairies, open woodlands, and fields across the Eastern and Central United States, extending into Northeastern Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Prairie Beard Grass, Broom Beardgrass, Broom Bluestem, Small Bluestem, Barbon À Balais, Schizachyrium À Balais, Präriegräs

Scientific Names: , Schizachyrium scoparium, Schizachyrium scoparium subsp. scoparium, Andropogon scoparius, Schizachyrium scoparium var. divergens, Schizachyrium scoparium subsp. divergens, Schizachyrium littorale, Schizachyrium scoparium var. littorale, Andropogon spadiceus, Schizachyrium scoparium var. neomexicanum

GBIF Accepted Name: Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash