Schizachyrium scoparium ~ Little Bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium ~ Little BluestemLittle Bluestem is a native grass with upright slender leaves with a blue tinge at the base. Tiny purple brown flowers rise high above the foliage on stems in late summer and are followed by fluffy white seed heads that persist through winter. The foliage has excellent bronze orange fall color. Grows best in full sun and well drained soils. Drought tolerant once established. Schizachyrium scoparium is a native host plant for 6 different skippers: the

Little Bluestem is a native  grass with upright slender leaves with a blue tinge at the base.  Tiny purple-brown flowers rise high above the foliage on stems in late summer and are followed by fluffy white seed heads that persist through winter.  The foliage has excellent bronze-orange fall color. Grows best in full sun and well-drained soils.  Drought tolerant once established.

Schizachyrium scoparium is a native host plant for 6 different skippers:  the Ottoe, Indian, Crossline, Dusted, Cobweb, and Dixie skipper.  The seeds are eaten by small birds.

MAINTENANCE NEEDS:  Low maintenance plant.  Cut to ground late winter or early spring.

LANDSCAPE USES: Accents or Group Plantings,  Borders,  Naturalized Areas,  Woodland Garden,  Rock Gardens,  Native Gardens, Groundcover, and Containers.

COMPANION PLANTS: Tickseed, Joe-Pye Weed, Sea Holly

IMAGE:  Chhe, SchizachyriumScoparium.