Smoke Signal little bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal'
USDA zones3 to 9
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size3 to 4 feet tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Clumping
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
'Smoke Signal' little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal') is a grass for borders, pollinator gardens, winter interest, and rain gardens. 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. Little bluestem is a larval host to many butterfly species. It sits low on the menu for deer and rabbits. The blue-green leaves take on red tones as the season goes on and turn deeper reddish purple in fall.
Pairs well with Butterfly milkweed, Aromatic aster, and Jelena Japanese witch hazel.