Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
[skiz-ah-KEER-ee-um skoe-PAR-ee-um]
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Deciduous Perennial Upright, Clump in the Poaceae Family
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Available May 9
Size |
Notes |
Price |
Availability |
#1 gallon |
Field
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$13.68 |
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Little Bluestem is a resilient native grass that adds beauty and texture to any landscape with its striking blue-green foliage and golden autumn hues. Perfect for prairies, meadows, and gardens. |
Schizachyrium scoparium, commonly known as little bluestem or beard grass, is a species of North American prairie grass native to most of the contiguous United States as well as a small area north of the Canada–US border and northern Mexico. It is most common in the Midwestern prairies.
A native ornamental grass with attractive blue-green foliage. Purplish bronze seed heads and yellow-orange leaves make for great fall interest in the landscape. It is attractive planted en masse and would make an excellent addition to a rain garden. It performs best in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun. However, it does tolerate a wide range of soil conditions including infertility and clay. It has drought resistance once established. It is well-adapted to southern climates as it tolerates high heat and humidity. It is found naturally in a wide range of moist to dry habitats. Cut back to the ground in early spring to promote new attractive growth.
Little Bluestem is a perennial, warm-season grass that may grow to 5 feet. The leaves and stems frequently have a bluish cast in summer, while the fall color is a very warm copper that does not fade throughout winter.
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Pros
- Provides excellent cover year round. This is a larval host plant that supports various skipper larvae and Common Wood-Nymph (Cercyonis pegala) which have one brood from late May to October. Adult Common Wood-Nymph butterflies feed on rotting fruit and flower nectar. Seeds are eaten by songbirds and small mammals.
Illinois Native
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Plant Data |
Mature Size |
24 - 48 inches
tall. 12 - 24 inches
wide.
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Growth Rate |
Moderate |
Sun Exposure |
Full Sun - Full Sun |
Moisture Tolerance |
Dry - Medium: Once established, it is drought tolerant.
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Zones |
3a - 9b
(Usually hardy to -40° F)
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Tags |
Attracts Beneficial Insects, Attracts Birds, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Wildlife, Colorful Foliage, Container, Deciduous, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Dry, Erosion Control, Fall Color, Fall interest, Formal Garden, Foundation, Full Sun, Good for Accents, Good for Beginners, Good for Borders, Good for Butterfly Garden, Good for Cottage Garden, Good for Cut Flowers, Good for Mass Planting, Good for Rain Garden, Good for Rock Garden, Good for Rocky Soil, Grasses, Grown For Attractive Foliage, Illinois Native, Low Maintenance, Medium, Modern Garden, Most Popular, Native to North America, Naturalizing, Normal Soil, Perennial, Popular For Fall, Prairie Garden, Rabbit Resistant, Tolerant of Clay Soil, Tolerant of Moist Soil, Tolerant of Salt, Tolerant of Sandy Soil, Well-Drained Soil, Woodland Garden Deer Resistant Perennials, Large Perennials, Ornamental Grass, Partial Sun Perennials
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Bloom Period |
June - October
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Flower Color |
Purplish Bronze
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Foliage Color |
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Awards |
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Most Popular Plants |
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More Info from Experts |
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Commonly Planted with...
Showy aster (Aster spectabilis)
Downy wood mint (Blephilia ciliata)
Sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula)
Wine cups (Callirhoe involucrata)
Northern seaoates (Chasmanthium latifolium)
Lanceleaf tickseed (Coreopsis lanceolata)
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Photos of This with...
Big Blue Stem,
Bonanza Deep Orange French Marigold,
EnduraScape Blue Verbena,
EnduraScape Hot Pink Verbena
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