Phlox Subulata (moss pink) in landscape. Photo © Elaine Mills

Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)

Schizachyrium scoparium, (Little Bluestem) in early spring at Green Spring Gardens. Photo © 2018 Elaine Mills

Schizachyrium scoparium, (Little Bluestem) in June

Solid joints (nodes) with hollow internodes and leaf sheath open in front of Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem)

Schizachyrium scoparium, Little Bluestem in July landscape. Photo © 2018 Elaine Mills

Schizachyrium scoparium, (Little Bluestem) in August landscape. Photo © 2018 Elaine Mills

Close up of Schizachyrium scoparium, (Little Bluestem) leaves in September. Photo © 2018 Elaine Mills

Spicate racemes of Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)

Schizachyrium scoparium, (Little Bluestem) in October

Schizachyrium scoparium, (Little Bluestem) seed heads in October

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Common through most of the Mid-Atlantic Region, Little Bluestem gives a brilliant landscape performance. Tight, erect, spiky bluish-green stems and leaves transition to a sizzling fall display of oranges, reds, yellows and purplish-browns topped by fluffy seed heads that persist Grass / Sedge Summer Foliage, Racemes, Fall Foliage Height: 11⁄2–4 feet Spread: 11⁄2–2 feet Bloom Color: Purplish-bronze Characteristics Bunched, ornamental perennial grass Slender, often folded, light blue or green leaves alternate on erect, red-brown or tan culms (stems) Flowers appear as 3-inch-long racemes of spikelets ascending from stems August–October Fluffy, silvery-white seed heads Bronze to rust fall color persists through winter Readily reseeds Attributes Tolerates clay soil, poor soil, drought (extremely well), air pollution, and Black Walnut; intolerant of wetlands and flooding; no serious pests or diseases; deer rarely damage Winter interest Attracts birds to its seeds, especially in winter; larval host for Cobweb, Crossline, Dusted, Indian, Leonard’s, and Swarthy Skippers; wildlife cover Growing and Maintenance Tips Soil Requirements: Average, well-drained soil Light Requirements: Sun Water Requirements: Dry Cut to ground in late winter to early spring Use as an accent or en masse in borders, meadow gardens, naturalized landscapes, or steep slopes Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9 Excellent Replacement for Agropyron cristatum - Crested Wheatgrass Festuca arundinacea - Tall Fescue Lespedeza cuneata - Sericea Lespedeza Pennisetum stp. - Fountain Grass Securigera varia - Crown Vetch developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria Images by Mary Free, Sunny Garden

Tried and True Native Plant Selections
for the Mid-Atlantic

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Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)

Common through most of the Mid-Atlantic Region, Little Bluestem gives a brilliant landscape performance. Tight, erect, spiky bluish-green stems and leaves transition to a sizzling fall display of oranges, reds, yellows and purplish-browns topped by fluffy seed heads that persist into winter.

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants:
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets

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