Schizachyrium scopartium, Little Bluestem, Quart pot

Schizachyrium scopartium, Little Bluestem

FS, Zone 3, 3-3.5’ x 2’, medium to dry, deer and rabbit resistant.

Schizachyrium scoparium, commonly known as little bluestem or beard grass, is a North American prairie grass native common to the United States, but most common in the Midwestern prairies. It is a mounding grass with narrow green or blue-green foliage. In late summer inconspicuous flowers are held on branched stems above the leaves. Fluffy light seed clusters follow.

This iconic short prairie grass is popular in landscaping and also in restoration projects. The plant spreads by seed and stays a blue-green color until after the first frost, and then changes to shades of brown, copper and crimson, which remain during the winter. The fluffy white seed heads are sought after by birds. When left intact, they add interest in a winter garden. A few specimens of this grass is a must in the wildlife garden.

Mounds of Little Bluestem will provide food for birds as well as habitat for overwintering insects and other animals. This grass is also a host plant for the caterpillars of several species of Skippers.