Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Distinguishing Characteristics

Leaves are up to 12 inches long and less than 1/4 inch wide. A small, scale-like collar (ligule) and a fringed margin where the leaf blade joins the stem. Stems are very hairy and strongly flattened near the base.

Height

2 to 4 feet

Blooms

August to September

Description

Purplish-bronze flowers appear along 3-inch long stalks on branched stems. Plants form upright clumps of green leaves, with trace of blue at base.

Comments

Common throughout the Ozarks and tallgrass prairie regions, it is found on glades, savannas, and prairies. Often used in restoration and wildlife habitat projects. Does well in wildflower meadow plantings where it will not out-compete wildflowers. Used in mixed warm-season grass pasture plantings for livestock.