Little Bluestem

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a striking native ornamental grass featuring fine-textured blue-green foliage that transforms into a spectacular display of burgundy, copper, and orange tones in fall. This warm-season bunchgrass forms upright clumps with delicate seed heads that catch the light beautifully when backlit. Once a dominant grass of the prairies, Little Bluestem provides valuable habitat and food for wildlife, including birds that feed on its seeds throughout winter. The deep root system, extending several feet into the soil, makes this grass exceptionally drought tolerant while also preventing erosion on slopes. Its year-round visual interest makes it a standout in both naturalistic and contemporary landscapes.

Care Tips: Cut back to 4-6 inches in late winter before new growth appears. Avoid overly rich soil or excessive water, which can cause flopping. Tolerates poor, rocky soil and prefers locations with excellent drainage. Moderate self-seeding in favorable locations but not aggressive. Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring if centers begin to die out. Combine with native wildflowers for a prairie-inspired landscape. Deer resistant and generally problem-free.

LIGHT: Full sun ZONE: 3-9

HEIGHT: 2-4 feet SPREAD: 1-2 feet

WATER: Low; extremely drought tolerant once established

BLOOM: Late summer to fall (ornamental seedheads)

Pick up only at our location. Friday and Saturdays 10:00am to 2:00pm