Schizachyrium scoparium
Little Bluestem
Grown from seed
Perennial warm-season bunch grass; 1-3ft tall
Blue-green foliage in summer becomes a vibrant red-gold in autumn and lasts through winter; fluffy white seedheads also provide winter interest
Drought tolerant, but also does well in moist soils; great species for borders, glades, meadows, prairies or hillsides (for erosion control due to its deep root system)
Low growing tendency makes for an excellent ground cover; acts as green mulch for nearby taller plants by cooling soil & outcompeting weeds
Host plant to various skippers including the Dusted Skipper, Cobweb Skipper, Indian Skipper, Swarthy Skipper, and Crossline Skipper
Valuable nesting site for both queen bumble bees and birds in winter; attracts meadowlarks, juncos, sparrows, and game birds
Non-aggressive spreader via seed and rhizome; can be easily divided in spring
Little Bluestem
Grown from seed
Perennial warm-season bunch grass; 1-3ft tall
Blue-green foliage in summer becomes a vibrant red-gold in autumn and lasts through winter; fluffy white seedheads also provide winter interest
Drought tolerant, but also does well in moist soils; great species for borders, glades, meadows, prairies or hillsides (for erosion control due to its deep root system)
Low growing tendency makes for an excellent ground cover; acts as green mulch for nearby taller plants by cooling soil & outcompeting weeds
Host plant to various skippers including the Dusted Skipper, Cobweb Skipper, Indian Skipper, Swarthy Skipper, and Crossline Skipper
Valuable nesting site for both queen bumble bees and birds in winter; attracts meadowlarks, juncos, sparrows, and game birds
Non-aggressive spreader via seed and rhizome; can be easily divided in spring
Little Bluestem
Grown from seed
Perennial warm-season bunch grass; 1-3ft tall
Blue-green foliage in summer becomes a vibrant red-gold in autumn and lasts through winter; fluffy white seedheads also provide winter interest
Drought tolerant, but also does well in moist soils; great species for borders, glades, meadows, prairies or hillsides (for erosion control due to its deep root system)
Low growing tendency makes for an excellent ground cover; acts as green mulch for nearby taller plants by cooling soil & outcompeting weeds
Host plant to various skippers including the Dusted Skipper, Cobweb Skipper, Indian Skipper, Swarthy Skipper, and Crossline Skipper
Valuable nesting site for both queen bumble bees and birds in winter; attracts meadowlarks, juncos, sparrows, and game birds
Non-aggressive spreader via seed and rhizome; can be easily divided in spring
Details
-
Blue, Green, Purple, Golden, Red
-
Summer
-
1-3’
-
Dry, Medium
-
Full, Partial
-
Dusted Skipper
Cobweb Skipper
Indian Skipper
Swarthy Skipper
Crossline Skipper -
FACU - usually occurs in non-wetlands, but may occur in wetlands
-
No cold stratification required