little bluestem field
little bluestem spike
little bluestem field
little bluestem spike

Schizachyrium scoparium

from $8.50

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.

Container Size:

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