little bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium
USDA zones3 to 9
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size2 to 4 feet tall1.5 to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Grass/grass-like
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- Blue, green, orange
- Fall color
- Yes
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a grass for borders, meadows, rain gardens, and winter interest. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Deer usually look elsewhere for a meal. Its blue and green leaves turn orange in fall, and butterflies, bees, and birds visit it.
Pairs well with Mexican hat, Lanceleaf coreopsis, and New Jersey tea.
Native range
AL, AR, AZ, CA, and 45 more places. See all 49
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY; NB, and SK.