Schizachyrium scoparium, also known as little bluestem, is a type of grass native to North America. It can be found in various habitats such as prairies, fields, clearings, hills, limestone glades, roadsides, waste areas, and open woods across a wide geographic range, from Alberta to Quebec and Arizona to Florida. Little bluestem typically grows to a height of 2-4 feet and has slender, flat, linear green leaves that turn bronze-orange in the fall. In August, it produces purplish-bronze flowers followed by fluffy, silvery-white seed heads that are attractive and often persist into winter. Many species of birds feed on its seeds.
One notable cultivar of Schizachyrium scoparium is 'Prairie Blues,' cultivated for its distinctive gray-blue leaves. This cultivar grows to a height of 3-3.5 feet and a width of 1.5-2 feet. In the fall, it produces fluffy silver seed heads that may persist into winter and rosy-orange foliage.
Little bluestem is easy to grow under average conditions, requiring dry to medium moisture and well-drained soil in full sun. The plant can tolerate various soil conditions, including clay soils and occasional inundation. It thrives in poor soils and exhibits good drought resistance once established. Additionally, the plant is tolerant of high heat and humidity. To prevent flopping late in the season, it is best to plant it in full sun and cut it to the ground in late winter to early spring.
