Little Bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium
ABOUT
The plant in mention is more commonly known as Little Bluestem. It is a perennial grass known for its remarkable versatility and attractive visual appeal. The plant boasts a dense mounding habit, with slender leaves that have a blue-green hue during the growing season, which gives the plant its common name. As it matures throughout the year, the leaf color shifts, taking on stunning shades of orange, red, and purple, which add a spectacular display of autumnal color to any landscape. The stems of Little Bluestem are sturdy and upright, adding to its structural integrity and visual interest. Additionally, as the seasons progress, the plant produces delicate, fluffy seed heads that extend above the foliage and can range from silvery white to a soft pinkish tint. These ethereal seed heads catch the light and can add a shimmering presence in the garden which persists through the winter months, providing year-round attraction. Whether used in mass plantings or as accents in smaller groupings, Little Bluestem contributes texture and a dynamic, changing palette of colors to a garden setting that evolves beautifully with the seasons. It's especially beloved by gardeners aiming to create a naturalistic or prairie-style landscape, as it is indicative of such native environments. Furthermore, the visual quality of this grass is complemented by its ability to attract wildlife, including birds that feed on the seeds and butterflies that visit the plant.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Little Bluestem, Prairie Bluestem, Beard Grass, Broom Beard Grass, Blue Stem, Wire Grass, Popotillo Azul
Common names
Andropogon scoparius, Andropogon scoparius var. littoralis, Andropogon scoparius var. pauciflorus, Schizachyrium brevifolium, Andropogon provincialis var. scoparius, Schizachyrium scoparium var. littorale, Schizachyrium scoparium var. pauciflorum
ToxicityTo humans
Little bluestem is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no common reports of poisoning or adverse health effects from ingesting or handling Little bluestem.
To pets
Little bluestem is not considered toxic to pets. It should not cause poisoning in animals if they ingest parts of the plant. However, like with any plant material, ingestion in large quantities could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the physical nature of the plant matter, not due to any inherent toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Grass
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Erosion control: The deep and extensive root system of Schizachyrium scoparium, commonly known as Little Bluestem, helps to stabilize soil, reducing erosion caused by wind and water.
- Wildlife habitat: It provides cover and nesting materials for birds and small mammals, as well as habitat for various insects.
- Drought resistance: Little Bluestem is extremely drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for xeriscaping and low-maintenance landscapes.
- Ornamental value: With its attractive blue-green foliage that turns to a vibrant reddish-orange in the fall, Little Bluestem is a popular choice for ornamental use in gardens and public spaces.
- Grazing: While not a primary forage crop, it can provide grazing for livestock during certain times of the year when managed properly.
- Soil health: The presence of Little Bluestem can improve soil health by adding organic matter as it decomposes and also by promoting the activity of beneficial soil organisms.
- Fire resistance: It plays a role in fire ecology, as it is naturally fire-resistant and can help in the management of prairie fires.
- Carbon sequestration: As a native perennial grass, it sequesters carbon from the atmosphere, contributing to carbon storage in soil.
- Biodiversity support: By being part of native prairie mixes, it contributes to biodiversity, supporting the overall health of the ecosystem.
- Cultural significance: Little Bluestem has a history of use in Native American cultures for various non-medicinal purposes, such as in basket weaving and as a construction material for traditional dwellings.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Livestock bedding â The dried foliage of Little bluestem is often used to create a soft, absorbent bedding material for livestock animals.
- Erosion control â This plant is excellent for stabilizing soil in areas prone to erosion due to its deep and extensive root system.
- Crafts and decorations â The attractive foliage and stems of Little bluestem can be used in floral arrangements, wreaths, and other decorative crafts.
- Bird habitat â Little bluestem provides a habitat for birds, offering both shelter and seed for food, particularly beneficial during winter months.
- Thatching material â In traditional practices, grasses like Little bluestem were used to thatch roofs of homes and other structures.
- Dye source â The plant can be used to create natural dyes for coloring fabrics and materials.
- Soil improvement â When used as a cover crop, Little bluestem can improve soil structure and organic matter content.
- Sustainable fuel source â Dried Little bluestem has the potential to be used as a biomass fuel for producing energy.
- Grazing management â It is used in managed grazing systems to maintain healthy pastures and prevent overgrazing.
- Restoration projects â Little bluestem is commonly used in prairie restoration and reclamation projects to rebuild native ecosystems.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Little Bluestem is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Little Bluestem is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience - Schizachyrium scoparium, commonly known as Little Bluestem, is known for its toughness and ability to thrive in poor soils and drought conditions, symbolizing endurance and the ability to persist through hard times.
- Adaptability - Little Bluestem's presence in a variety of environments across North America signifies versatility and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Simplicity - The unassuming appearance of Little Bluestem reflects an appreciation for the simple, less ornate aspects of life, embracing a minimalist and uncluttered approach.
- Natural beauty - With its blue-green foliage that turns to a striking rusty color in autumn, Little Bluestem represents the natural beauty and the cycles of nature.
- Conservation - As a native prairie grass, Little Bluestem symbolizes the importance of preserving natural habitats and supporting biodiversity.
WaterThe Little Bluestem should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage a strong root system. This plant is drought-tolerant once established and typically requires watering only if there has been a period of extended drought. When watering, aim for about 1 inch of water every couple of weeks during the hot summer months. This translates to roughly 0.6 gallons per square foot over the two-week period. During the cooler months, reduce watering frequency as the plant will require less moisture. Always check the soil moisture before watering to avoid over-watering, as Little Bluestem does not like soggy roots.
LightLittle Bluestem thrives best in full sun conditions. The ideal spot for this plant is a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Although it can tolerate partial shade, its growth might not be as robust and its fall color may not be as vivid. Ensure that the selected spot is away from larger plants or buildings that could create significant shade.
TemperatureLittle Bluestem is a hardy plant that can withstand temperature extremes from approximately -40 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it flourishes best in the range of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it well-suited to a variety of climates, handling cold winters as well as hot summers without issue.
PruningPruning Little Bluestem involves cutting back the dead foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This allows for a tidier appearance and encourages fresh growth. Pruning annually is usually sufficient. The best time for pruning is just as the snow melts or as soon as you can work the ground, depending on your regional climate.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLittle Bluestem thrives in a well-draining soil mix with a pH range of 5.8 to 7.2. A good mix might include loamy soil combined with sand and a bit of compost to aid nutrient content. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, but it prefers soil that is not too rich to encourage strong root development.
RepottingLittle Bluestem is a perennial grass and does not typically require repotting. It is planted directly in the ground where it can spread its roots extensively. Instead of repotting, it can be divided every few years if the clump becomes too large.
Humidity & MistingLittle Bluestem is highly adaptable and does not require specific humidity conditions to thrive. It is quite tolerant of dry conditions and does well in average atmospheric humidity found in most temperate regions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a sunny spot, use well-draining soil, water sparingly.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, drought tolerant once established.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleLittle bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) starts its life cycle with seed germination, typically in late spring or early summer, depending on the local climate. The seeds require light for germination and establish quickly on well-drained soil. Seedlings grow into clumps of upright grass with blue-green leaves that turn reddish-bronze in the fall. Throughout the growing season, little bluestem matures and eventually produces tall flowering stalks by late summer or early fall. These stalks bear feathery, silvery-white seed heads that disperse seeds for the next generation. The plant goes dormant in winter, but the dead stalks often persist, providing winter interest and habitat, before new growth resumes in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is commonly propagated through seed, typically sown in the spring or late fall. The most popular method of propagation for this native prairie grass is by sowing seeds directly into prepared soil. To promote successful germination, the seeds should be spread evenly over well-raked, loose soil and then lightly covered with soil to a depth of about 1/4 inch (approximately 6 millimeters). Keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged is essential for germination, which may take 2 to 3 weeks. Though not as common as seed propagation, little bluestem can also be propagated by dividing clumps of established plants in the spring.
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