Little Blue Stem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

PLANT INFORMATION

Plant Size: CP32

Name: Little Blue Stem – Schizachyrium scoparium

Little Bluestem is a native grass prized for its blue-green leaf color and upright form. The foliage provides excellent color all season-long and creates the perfect backdrop for prairie flowers. Densely mounded, Little Bluestem reaches a height of 3 feet by autumn, when it turn a striking reddish-bronze, bearing illuminated tufted seeds. The rigid clumps can withstand snow and rain, allowing the reddish grass stems to remain upright for most of the winter.

Type: Perennial Grass

Water Needs: Average water needs

Hardiness: Climate zones 3-10

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Soil: Loam, Sand – Dry, Medium moisture

Height: Grows 2 to 3 feet at maturity with the seedhead adding another 1 to 2 feet in height.

Bloom Color: Green, Blue, Red

Bloom Time: Aug, Sep, Oct

Site Conditions: This prairie grass excels in dry, sandy soils and combines well with all prairie flowers. It is fairly adaptable but not recommended for damp sites or heavy clay soils.

DISEASE, PEST, AND DEER RESISTANCE

Deer Resistant

Value to Wildlife and Insects

Little Bluestem is a host plant for numerous skipper butterflies.