Prairie Blues little bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Prairie Blues'
USDA zones3 to 9
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size3 to 3.5 feet tallup to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Clumping
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Brown turning silvery when mature
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
'Prairie Blues' little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Prairie Blues') 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 soil of most types. It forms a clump that grows 36 to 42 inches tall, and its brown seed heads turn silvery when mature. It is not a favorite of deer or rabbits, though hungry ones will eat almost anything. Butterflies, bees, and birds visit it.
Pairs well with Goldsturm black-eyed Susan, Mexican hat, and New Jersey tea.