Prairie Beard Grass Schizachyrium scoparium

Little bluestem is native ornamental warm season grass in the Poaceae (grass) family with attractive blue-green foliage.   It is found naturally in a wide range of moist to dry habitats.

The leaves and stems frequently have a bluish cast in summer, while the fall color is a very warm copper that does not fade throughout winter.  The narrow erect clumps may grow to 2 to 4 feet tall with an equal spread. Purplish bronze seed heads and yellow-orange leaves make for great fall interest in the landscape. 

It performs best in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun.  However, it does tolerate a wide range of soil conditions including infertility and clay.  It has excellent drought resistance once established. It is well-adapted to southern climates as it tolerates high heat, humidity, and salt. It is resistant to browsing by deer and it is quite disease and pest resistant.  Cut back to the ground in late winter or early spring to promote new attractive growth.

Little blue stem is a larval host plant to various butterflies and moths as well as providing year-round cover for wildlife making it a great choice for a pollinator garden. The feathery fine blue green leaves are attractive planted en masse in a rain, cottage,,coastal, or low water use garden. They adapt well to container plantings or can be used in borders or meadows.  There are many cultivars available, which means it can be difficult to find the straight species in trade.

Seasons of Interest:

     Leaves: Summer/Fall/Winter; Bloom: Late Summer/Fall; Fruit/Seed/Nut: Fall/Winter

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems:  No serious insect or disease problems. This plant suffers from too much mulch near the crown.

VIDEO: Part of the Native Plant Picks series from the North Carolina Sea Grant led Coastal Landscapes Initiative.