Plant Preference/Growing Conditions: 

Schizachyrium scoparium prefers full sunlight for optimal growth, though it can tolerate partial shade and will just have reduced color intensity and plant vigor. It thrives well in well-drained soil, but adapts to a wide range of soil types, tolerating poor soils and clay, except for highly fertile soils/ moist soils. It is a highly drought tolerant plant but does need water regular when first planted  in order to establish an extensive root system.

Growth Habit/Description:

Schizachyrium scoparium is a warm-season prairie grass that grows to be between 2-5 feet tall during the summer and fall, in full sun. It has silvery-blue tinges with green stems. In the fall its blue-purple heads in stem turn a copper-yellow color (as shown above).

Bloom Season:

Schizachyrium scoparium blooms in the late summer, displaying a purply color form.

Fall and/or Winter Interest?

Yes. The Schizachyrium scoparium is a perennial grass, so it stays yearlong in both the fall and winter. During the fall, its blue-purple color turns into a copper-yellow.

Host Plant for Caterpillars?

Yes.  The Schizachyrium scoparium is host to 9 different skipper larvae species, mainly the Common Wood Nymph (Cercyonis pegala), Dakota skipper (Hesperia dacotae), Leonard's skipper (Hesperia leonardus).  

Other Known Ecological Value?

Yes.  Schizachyrium scoparium is known for its drought resistance, tolerance to most soils, and extensive rooting systems, which can combat soil erosion. The plant is known to be able to stabilize soils and provide habitats and food. It also offers overwintering shelter for different insects and wildlife.  Female bumblebee queens specifically nest at the base of these grasses in winter.

Origin of Name:  The origin of the name comes from the Latin schizien, meaning to split, and achryon meaning chaff

Related Plant Species:   Little blue stem is related to many different variations of bluestems such as Schizachyrium condensatum (Colombian bluestem) and Schizachyrium cirratum (Texas bluestem) as well as Schizachyrium fragile (Small redleaf) and Schizachyrium niveum (CA Gardner).

Use For Food/Medicine: It does not have any common uses in food or medicine, but it is not toxic to animals or humans so it could possibly.

Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem). Gardenia. (n.d.). https://www.gardenia.net/plant/schizachyrium-scoparium

Johnstone, G. (2022, October 7). How to grow and care for little blustem. The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/little-bluestem-growing-guide-5214474

Schizachyrium scoparium. Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem, Prairie Beardgrass, Prairie Beard Grass) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. (n.d.). https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/schizachyrium-scoparium/

USDA plants database. USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). https://plants.usda.gov/

Last edited by Graydon Anderson, September2024.