Schizachyrium scoparium (Andropogon) - LITTLE BLUESTEM

Lovely mounding grass with narrow green or blue-green foliage. Late summer flowers are unremarkable; the fluffy seed clusters are more ornamental. Valuable coppery/amber foliage in the fall. Native Americans used to dry the leaves for winter insulation for their moccasins. Beautiful colored stems usually stay upright for most of the winter, and should be burned or cut back at the end of winter or early spring.

Little Bluestem is a great native grass for public spaces, borders, modern stylish plantings, wild gardens, meadows or prairie-like landscaping. Best if planted in groups or masses. For a uniform look, choose some of the vegetative propagated varieties. Native grasses look great combined with other grasses or with big flowers of Echinacea, Rudbeckias or Heleniums.

Blooming Time: June–July
Size: usually within 3’ high x 2’ wide
USDA Zones: 3 to 9
Culture: Sun to half sun, adaptable to many soils including drier or clay soil. It will grow in any site except wet or extremely acidic soils or in deep shade. Does well in heat and humidity.
Moisture Needs: average, medium to medium-dry
Origin: from Alberta to Quebec south to Arizona and Florida. It naturally occurs in prairies, clearings, hills, limestone glades, roadsides, waste areas and open woods.
Deer/Rabbit Resistant: yes/yes (but young leaves can be grazed by deer)
Attracts Butterflies or Pollinators: it hosts caterpillars of at least 6 species of skippers. The seeds provide food to a variety of small songbirds.
Attracts Hummingbirds: no
Pot Size: square 3.5" x 5" deep pot