Little Bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium

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.