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Little bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium

skiz-ah-KEER-ee-um sko-PAR-ee-um

Little bluestem is a tidy, finely textured clumping grass with a blue-green summer color. Its silvery seed heads rise to a height of nearly 2 feet in late summer and are at their best when backlit in the morning or afternoon sun. In fall, the grass turns a rosy rust color that lasts all winter.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsThis prairie grass occupies a wide range in North America. It is an excellent choice for native, wild, or meadow plantings, as well as for adding structure and texture to borders and formal situations. It has given rise to a number of showier cultivars.

CareIt is widely adaptable to most soils, except for wet or highly fertile ones. Grow in full sun. Trim close to the ground in spring; it is late to emerge.

PropagationSow seed in fall or early winter; divide in spring.

ProblemsInfrequent.

  • Genus : Schizachryium
  • Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
  • Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
  • Zones : 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Tolerance : Deer Tolerant, Drought Tolerant, Frost Tolerant
  • Moisture : Dry to Medium
  • Light : Full Sun
  • Plant Type : Grasses
  • Uses : Ground Covers
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Growth Rate : Moderate
  • Characteristics : Self Seeds, Showy Foliage, Showy Seed Heads
  • Bloom Time : Summer
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest
  • Flower Color : White

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