Schizachyrium scoparium

Also Known As

Little Bluestem

Plant type

grass / grass like

size

H: 2'-4'
W: 1'

planting zones

3a-9b

More Options

Schizachyrium scoparium plant details

Schizachyrium scoparium is a deciduous grass (or grassy in appearance) with green foliage. In fall and summer purple flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in gritty, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something pollution tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Schizachyrium scoparium

Plant type: grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: poaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 1 FT wide, 2 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: purple blooms in fall and summer
Uses: clumping, easy-to-grow, fall color

GROWING CONDITIONS for Schizachyrium scoparium

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Resistant to: deer, pollution and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: gritty, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This native prairie bunch grass, while being a part of the history and ecology of this country, is a slowly spreading, 3-4' grass whose attractive blue-green color turns to foxy-red in fall-winter; flowers used dried. S/M/GDr

By: Forestfarm

Incomparable Fall Color! The blue-green foliage provides a great backdrop for prairie flowers in summer, and then turns a striking crimson in fall. A patch of Little Bluestem waving in the wind is truly a wondrous sight, resembling ocean waves. A clump former, it combines nicely with prairie flowers. Excels in dry sandy soils. Not recommended for heavy clay or damp soils. Zones 3 - 10.

By: Prairie Nursery

An exceptional grass from the American tall grass prairies where it is one of the main forage plants.The tight clumps of glaucous blue leaves are tolerant of heat and drought and will grow in both acid and alkaline soils, so long as the drainage is good and there is plenty of sun. Additional height is gained from late summer from the non-descript flower stems. Winter dormant, the leaves turn varying shades of orange, red and purple during autumn and hold their shape throughout winter.Cut down to ground level in late winter.