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Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium
Perennial GrassLittle Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium
Tap to flip backGrowing Conditions
Light
Sun – Part Shade
Water
Dry – Moist
Soil
Loam, Sandy
Size
2-4'
Bloom
Blue-Green, Jul–Oct
Why Grow It
Drought Tolerant
Thrives with little water once established
Deer Resistant
Great for gardens without fencing
Winter Interest
Beautiful structure in the cold months
Did You Know?
Fall foliage turns stunning copper-orange to burgundy, with fluffy white seed heads that glow in winter light.
Once the dominant grass of the tallgrass prairie, supporting vast ecosystems of wildlife.
Host plant for several skipper butterflies, including the Dusted Skipper and Cobweb Skipper.
Wildlife Value
🦋
Skipper Host
Larval food plant for multiple skipper butterfly species
🐦
Bird Nesting Cover
Dense clumps provide sheltered nest sites for ground-nesting birds
❄️
Winter Shelter
Standing dried stems provide crucial winter cover for small mammals
Good Companions
☘️ New Jersey Tea
🌻 Brown-eyed Susan
🌼 Aromatic Aster
Planting Guide
- Plant in full sun with dry to average, well-drained soil
- Space 18–24″ apart in groups for a natural prairie look
- Cut back to 4–6″ in late winter before new growth emerges
Plant Details
Made with ♥ by Lu Li