Schizachyrium spp.

little bluestem

HardinessZones 3–9

Overview

Schizachyrium is a genus of warm-season perennial bunchgrasses in the family Poaceae, with around 60 species, the most widespread being S. scoparium, little bluestem, of North American prairies. Plants form upright clumps 18-48 inches (45-120 cm) tall and 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) wide, with slender flat to folded leaf blades 0.1-0.2 inch (2-5 mm) wide. Foliage emerges blue-green in spring and shifts to shades of copper, orange, and russet in autumn, holding color into winter. Slender flowering stems carry fluffy, silvery seed heads along the upper stem in late summer and autumn. The deep, fibrous roots reach 5 feet (1.5 m) or more, anchoring the clump and drawing water from depth. Plants grow on dry, open ground and decline in rich, moist, or shaded sites, where the clumps flop open. Growth is slow to establish from seed, taking two seasons to reach full size.

Native Range

Most species are native to the Americas, with S. scoparium ranging across nearly all of North America east of the Rocky Mountains, from Canada to Mexico. Grows in prairies, open woodland, glades, and dry rocky slopes in full sun and lean soil.

Suggested Uses

Planted in prairie and meadow plantings, mixed borders, and erosion control on dry slopes, spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart. The upright clumps and autumn color suit massed drifts and naturalistic schemes. Seeds and cover support birds and insects through winter.

How to Identify

Recognized by upright clumps 18-48 inches (45-120 cm) tall with slender blue-green blades that turn copper to russet in autumn. Fluffy, silvery seed tufts line the upper flowering stems in late summer. The narrow blue-green summer blades and copper autumn color separate Schizachyrium from the taller, blue-tinged Andropogon bluestems.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 4'

Width/Spread1' - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

Summer Fall

Silvery seed heads form along the stems from late summer into autumn, roughly August to October. Wind disperses the seed through autumn and winter. The seed tufts catch light and persist on the dried stems into winter.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Blue-green turning copper to russet

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plants grow in full sun and dry to average, freely draining soil, including poor, sandy, and rocky ground. Rich or moist soil and shade cause the clumps to grow tall and fall open at the center. Once established the deep roots tolerate extended drought, and no supplemental water is needed. The grass is hardy in USDA zones 3-9 and is left standing through winter for its color and seed. Clumps are cut back in late winter before new growth begins. Self-seeding spreads the grass into open ground.

Pruning

Cut clumps to 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Dead foliage left over winter holds autumn color and shelters wildlife. Division in spring renews old clumps that die out at the center.