A small, non-spreading, clump-forming grass with blue-green leaves that turn reddish orange in the fall. Fluffy silver seed heads are ornamental through winter.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium
Plant Type: Grasses / Sedges / Rushes
Native Environment: Prairie
Season of Interest: Winter (Nov - Mar)
Main Color: Blue, Green
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Photo: Mervin Wallace
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate
Nature Attracting
Wildlife Benefit
Cover
Animal
Resistance
Deer Resistant
Size
Height:
1 to
2
feet
Spread:
12 to
inches
Size
Height: 1 to
2
feet
Spread: 12 to
inches
Size
Height: 1 to
2
feet
Spread: 12 to
inches
Typical Landscape Use
This is an excellent short grass for the garden. Use freely in sunny borders, native plant gardens, naturalized areas, prairies and meadows. Excellent in massed plantings. Provides food and cover for wildlife.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grow in dry to moderate soil moisture in full sun. Tolerates heat and humidity easily.
Special Features
Special Usage
Dried Flower, Fresh Cut Flower
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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What’s the Next Step?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.