What it is
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is in the Poaceae (Grass) family. A signature prairie bunchgrass — blue-green in summer, copper-red in fall, and food/cover for wildlife.
How to grow it
It wants full sun, water it very low, and give it lean, well-drained soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0–8.0. Space plants about 18–24 in apart. Expect roughly Established. Hardy native grass.
How it's used
Little Bluestem is used: ornamental; wildlife cover.
🔎 How to identify it
- Blue-green summer blades
- Russet fall color
- Fluffy seed heads
Not for eating
Grown for the garden, soil, or pollinators — not as food.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.