Schizachyrium scoparium, also known as little bluestem, is native to prairies, fields, clearings, hills, limestone meadows, roadsides, waste areas, and open woods from Alberta to Quebec to Arizona and Florida. It was one of the dominant grasses in the tallgrass prairie region, which once covered rich and fertile soils in many parts of central North America. This grass typically grows to a height of 2-4' (occasionally up to 5') and has upright clumps of slender, flat, linear green leaves, each with a hint of blue at the base. In August, purplish-bronze flowers appear in 3" long racemes on branches rising above the foliage.

These flowers are followed by clusters of fluffy, silvery-white seed heads, which are attractive and often persist into winter. Many people find this grass's most outstanding ornamental feature to be its bronze-orange fall foliage color.