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James H. Schutte
Poaceae
Schizachyrium scoparium
Little Bluestem
Little bluestem is a clump-forming, warm-season, deciduous grass native to central and eastern North America. Its narrow, dense, upright, gray-green leaves turn sunset colors in fall. In late summer, tall, hazy panicles of flowers mature into silvery seedheads which provide ornament through fall and winter. The plant is a larval food source for many skipper butterflies and the seeds are enjoyed by a variety of smaller songbirds.
Grow little bluestem in full sun in humus-rich, well drained soil, and shear to the ground in late winter. Avoid locations that have a very heavy or waterlogged soil. It is ideal for naturalizing, wildflower gardens, and rough lawns. Its ability to reseed prevents this perennial grass from being used well in small gardens.
7 - 1
2 - 7
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Grass
Full Sun
2'-6' / 0.6m - 1.8m (4)
1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m
Summer, Late Summer
North America, United States, Canada
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Average
Loam, Sand
Drought
Fast
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
Upright/Erect
Summer, Fall, Winter
Insignificant
Purple, Bronze
White, Sandy Brown, Silver
Blue Green, Gray Green
Yellow, Red, Bronze, Orange Red
Tan, Bronze
No
Single
Yes
Fine
Matte
Dried Flower / Everlasting, Cutflower, Dried Flower/Everlasting, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Wildflower
Birds, Butterflies
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