SCHIZACHYRIUM SCOPARIUM / LITTLE BLUESTEM

SCHIZACHYRIUM SCOPARIUM / LITTLE BLUESTEM

A Native Grass with Striking Blue-Green Foliage and Fall Color

Schizachyrium scoparium, commonly known as Little Bluestem, is a native perennial grass admired for its blue-green foliage, airy texture, and vibrant fall colors. Thriving in full sun with well-drained soils, Little Bluestem is ideal for prairie restorations, naturalized landscapes, and ornamental borders. Its low-maintenance habit, drought tolerance, and year-round interest make it a standout native grass.

Why Choose Little Bluestem?

Ornamental Foliage: Blue-green leaves turn coppery orange to reddish in fall, providing seasonal interest.
Wildlife Friendly: Seeds provide food for birds, and dense clumps offer cover for small mammals.
Drought-Tolerant: Performs well in dry soils and requires minimal maintenance.
Low Maintenance: Hardy, long-lived, and adaptable to various soil types.

Key Features:

Foliage Color: Blue-green in summer; vibrant copper-orange to red in fall.
Flower Color: Silvery-blue seed heads in late summer to fall.
Height and Spread: Typically grows 2–4 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide.
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zones 3–9.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun.
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates sandy, loam, or clay soils.

Specifications:

Plant Size: 2–4 feet tall, 1–2 feet wide.
Growth Habit: Clump-forming perennial grass with upright stems.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9.
Flowering/Fruiting: Late summer to fall seed heads.
Fall Interest: Leaves turn coppery orange to red.

Ideal Uses:

Prairie & Meadow Plantings: Perfect for native grasslands and restoration projects.
Ornamental Borders & Beds: Adds vertical texture and fall color to perennial gardens.
Wildlife Gardens: Provides seeds and shelter for birds and small mammals.
Low-Maintenance Landscapes: Drought-tolerant and long-lived for easy care.

Little Bluestem is a versatile and visually striking native grass. Its seasonal color, low maintenance, and wildlife benefits make it an excellent choice for prairie restorations, naturalized landscapes, and ornamental plantings.