The Blackland Prairie
About
​Little Bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium, is one of the three dominant species that make up our tall and short grass prairies
habitat
Little Bluestem is ideal for landscaping because it is a medium-sized clumping grass that grows readily from seed. It is a lovely blue-grey color in spring through the summer. During the late summer and early fall, the seeds begin to mature, becoming white and fuzzy. By late fall and early winter the grass is unmistakable — rich bronze-colored stems sporting their white, fuzzy heads.
in my garden
Little Bluestem is ideal for landscaping because it is a medium-sized clumping grass that grows readily from seed. It is a lovely blue-grey color in spring through the summer. During the late summer and early fall, the seeds begin to mature, becoming white and fuzzy. By late fall and early winter the grass is unmistakable — rich bronze-colored stems sporting their white, fuzzy heads.
little blue stem
Schizachyrium scoparium
Scientific Name
Schizachyrium scoparium
Family
Poaceae (grasses)
Description
Little bluestem is a native perennial bunch grass with flowering stalks reaching 1–4 feet tall. A warm-season grass, it does most of its growth during the hottest part of summer.
Leaves are green, about ¼ inch wide; the bases are typically bluish, hence the name. In fall, the leaves turn coppery.
Flowering stems branch toward the tip, rising above the leaves; flower clusters are soft, usually somewhat curved, 1–3 inches long; when mature they are tan or grayish white and fluffy.
Flower heads develop August–October.
seasons
Schizachyrium scoparium
Scientific Name
Schizachyrium scoparium
Family
Poaceae (grasses)
Description
Little bluestem is a native perennial bunch grass with flowering stalks reaching 1–4 feet tall. A warm-season grass, it does most of its growth during the hottest part of summer.
Leaves are green, about ¼ inch wide; the bases are typically bluish, hence the name. In fall, the leaves turn coppery.
Flowering stems branch toward the tip, rising above the leaves; flower clusters are soft, usually somewhat curved, 1–3 inches long; when mature they are tan or grayish white and fluffy.
Flower heads develop August–October.