Schizachyrium scoparium

Little bluestem is a warm-season grass that grows in very dense mounds whose early season stem base is a deep blue-green. By season’s end, five foot tall beautiful deep red stems are topped with finely textured seed tufts. The reddish colors persist through winter snows and the seed provides important winter forage for bird species.  Once abundant in the prairies of central North America, it is one of the “Big Four” grass species. Little bluestem readily reseeds, and it does well in naturalized areas. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils but not wetlands or sub-irrigated sites. Like other native grasses, it hosts several skipper species and provides important habitat for birds throughout the year.

Zone: 3-10 (Map)
Habitat: Prefers full sun and dry soils.
Growth: up to 5’ tall, 1’ wide