Key Facts:
Scientific Name: Schizachyrium scoparium
Common Name: Little Bluestem
Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
Height: 2-4 feet at maturity
Spread: 2-4 feet
Foliage Color: Blue-green in summer, turning orange, red, and purple in fall
Flower Color: Seed heads are feathery and tan
Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
Growth Habit: Upright, clumping
Sunlight: Prefers full sun
Soil Preference: Well-drained soil; tolerant of poor soil conditions
Water Needs: Low; drought-tolerant once established
Uses: Prairie gardens, naturalized areas, borders, container planting
Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally pest-free and disease-resistant
Why You Will Love Little Bluestem
Little Bluestem adds a dynamic and natural touch to your garden with its graceful, blue-green foliage and stunning fall color. Its ability to thrive in full sun and well-drained soil makes it an excellent choice for low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscapes. The plant’s ornamental seed heads provide additional interest and attract birds, enhancing the ecological value of your garden. With its striking color changes throughout the seasons and minimal care requirements, Little Bluestem is a versatile and beautiful addition to any landscape, offering both visual appeal and practical benefits.
Little Bluestem
Little Bluestem is a graceful, native grass known for its striking blue-green foliage and its beautiful fall color. This perennial grass typically grows 2-4 feet in height with a similar spread, making it ideal for adding texture and movement to gardens, prairies, and naturalized landscapes. In summer, its foliage exhibits a soft blue-gray hue, which turns to rich shades of orange, red, and purple in the fall. Little Bluestem produces airy, feathery seed heads that add ornamental interest and attract birds. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance and drought-tolerant landscapes.
