Schizachyrium scoparium
Schizachyrium scoparium | little bluestem
Native to—and common throughout—most of the United States, little bluestem is a popular ornamental clump-forming grass that is equally useful in small gardens and large landscape restorations. A warm-season grass, little bluestem is slow to emerge in spring, but it thrives throughout summer and fall. As the growing season is winding down, little bluestem turns a notable tawny-copper color which persists through the winter if plants are not mowed down. The fluffy seeds are consumed by songbirds. This species prefers full sun and average or dry soils.
LOCAL ECOTYPE
*No advanced order, expected in June.
Schizachyrium scoparium | little bluestem
Native to—and common throughout—most of the United States, little bluestem is a popular ornamental clump-forming grass that is equally useful in small gardens and large landscape restorations. A warm-season grass, little bluestem is slow to emerge in spring, but it thrives throughout summer and fall. As the growing season is winding down, little bluestem turns a notable tawny-copper color which persists through the winter if plants are not mowed down. The fluffy seeds are consumed by songbirds. This species prefers full sun and average or dry soils.
LOCAL ECOTYPE
*No advanced order, expected in June.
Schizachyrium scoparium | little bluestem
Native to—and common throughout—most of the United States, little bluestem is a popular ornamental clump-forming grass that is equally useful in small gardens and large landscape restorations. A warm-season grass, little bluestem is slow to emerge in spring, but it thrives throughout summer and fall. As the growing season is winding down, little bluestem turns a notable tawny-copper color which persists through the winter if plants are not mowed down. The fluffy seeds are consumed by songbirds. This species prefers full sun and average or dry soils.
LOCAL ECOTYPE
*No advanced order, expected in June.
HABIT
Height: 2-3’
Bloom Time: late summer to early fall
SITE CONDITIONS
Light: full sun, part shade
Soil: average, medium-dry
CULTIVATION TIPS
Establishment: easy; establishes best in warm, dry soils
Deer Resistance: high
INTERACTIONS
Pollinator Support: provides winter nesting site for bees
Host Plant For: multiple species of skippers
CONSERVATION
Native Range: local ecotype
Seed Origin: Fairfield County, CT / Westchester County, NY