Schizachyrium scoparium
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Tried and True Recommended by 5 Professionals
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: little bluestem
Type: Ornamental grass
Family: Poaceae
Zone: 3 to 9
Native Range: Eastern North America
Garden Location: Christopher Biraben Butterfly Meadow, Lucy and Stanley Lopata Prairie Garden
Height: 2 to 4 feet
Spread: 1.5 to 2 feet
Bloom Time: August to February
Bloom Color: Brown
Bloom Description: Purplish bronze
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Flowers not Showy
Leaves: Good Fall Color
Other: Winter Interest
Tolerates: Dry Soil, Shallow, Rocky Soil, Drought, Air Pollution, Black Walnuts, Deer
Uses: Erosion Control, Rain Garden

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates wide range of soil conditions. Cut to the ground in late winter to early spring.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Little bluestem is one of the dominant grasses which grow in the rich and fertile soils of the tallgrass prairie. It is a Missouri native, warm season, ornamental grass which typically grows 2-4' tall (less frequently to 5') and occurs in prairies, open woods, clearings, glades, roadsides and waste areas throughout most of the State. Forms upright clumps of slender green leaves (1/4" wide) with a tinge of blue at the base. Purplish-bronze flowers appear in 3" long racemes on branched stems rising above the foliage in August. Resulting clusters of fluffy, silvery-white seed heads are attractive and may persist into winter. Most outstanding feature of this grass may be the bronze-orange fall foliage color. Formerly known as Andropogon scoparius.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Garden Uses

Borders, cottage gardens, wild gardens, native plant gardens or prairie-like settings. Group or mass.

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