Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) skiz-ah-KEER-ee-um sko-PAR-ee-um Synonyms:  Andropogon scoparium Genus:  Schizachryium

Little bluestem is a tidy, finely textured clumping grass with a blue-green summer color. Its silvery seed heads rise to a height of nearly 2 feet in late summer and are at their best when backlit in the morning or afternoon sun. In fall, the grass turns a rosy rust color that lasts all winter.

Noteworthy Characteristics: 

This prairie grass occupies a wide range in North America. It is an excellent choice for native, wild, or meadow plantings, as well as for adding structure and texture to borders and formal situations. It has given rise to a number of showier cultivars.

Care: 

It is widely adaptable to most soils, except for wet or highly fertile ones. Grow in full sun. Trim close to the ground in spring; it is late to emerge.

Propagation: 

Sow seed in fall or early winter; divide in spring.

Problems: 

Infrequent.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Sun Only Moisture Dry to Medium Maintenance Low Characteristics Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Song Birds, Native, Self Seeds, Showy Flowers, Showy Foliage, Showy Seed Heads Bloom Time Summer Flower Color Brown, White Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Roadside, Specimen Plant/Focal Point Style Meadow Garden Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Tolerance Deer Tolerant, Drought Tolerant, Frost Tolerant Type Grasses