Skip to content
Log inStart trial

Little Bluestem

Schizachyrium Scoparium

Design with this plant

Overview

The Little Bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium, is a North American native prairie grass. This perennial reaches 2-4 feet in height, displaying striking blue-green foliage that transitions to a vibrant reddish-brown in fall. It thrives in USDA zones 3-9, preferring full sun and well-drained soils. With minimal water requirements and high drought tolerance, it's an excellent choice for sustainable designs, offering habitat value and autumnal interest.

Sun FullWater LowZones 4–9Type Grass, PerennialClimate Temperate
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — although it prefers well-drained soils; the Little Bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium, is a North, image 52
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — It is drought tolerant once established; is a versatile native North American prairie grass known for, image 53Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — grass / perennial for fullLittle Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — white flowers in the garden; displaying striking blue-green foliage that transitions to a vibrant, image 58Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — offering habitat value and autumnal interest; it's an excellent choice for sustainable designs, image 47Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — grass / perennial with white bloomsLittle Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — white flowers in the garden; displaying striking blue-green foliage that transitions to a vibrant reddish-brown in+77

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Low
USDA zones
4–9

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Grass, Perennial
Family
Poaceae
Climate
Temperate

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (84)

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — although it prefers well-drained soils; the Little Bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium, is a North, image 52
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — It is drought tolerant once established; is a versatile native North American prairie grass known for, image 53
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — grass / perennial for full
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — white flowers in the garden; displaying striking blue-green foliage that transitions to a vibrant, image 58
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — offering habitat value and autumnal interest; it's an excellent choice for sustainable designs, image 47
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — grass / perennial with white blooms
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — white flowers in the garden; displaying striking blue-green foliage that transitions to a vibrant reddish-brown in
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — The Little Bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium, is a North American native prairie grass
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — displaying striking blue-green foliage that transitions to a vibrant reddish-brown in fall; white, image 43
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — grass / perennial with white blooms; it shifts into a stunning display of oranges
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — With minimal water requirements and high drought tolerance
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — grass / perennial with white blooms; it shifts into a stunning display of oranges, image 59
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — is a versatile native North American prairie grass known for its resilient nature and striking visual appeal
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — displaying striking blue-green foliage that transitions to a vibrant reddish-brown in fall
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — It thrives in USDA zones 3-9, preferring full sun and well-drained soils; with minimal water, image 64
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — It thrives in USDA zones 3-9, preferring full sun and well-drained soils; with minimal water requirements and high
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — offering habitat value and autumnal interest
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — grass / perennial for full; the plant's deep root system helps with soil stabilization and erosion control
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — displaying striking blue-green foliage that transitions to a vibrant reddish-brown in fall; white flowers in the
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — making it an eco-friendly option for xeriscaping.<br><br>With its upright clumping habit
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — the grass takes on a lighter; making it an eco-friendly option for xeriscaping.<br><br>With its upright clumping
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — Additionally, its seed heads attract birds, providing ecological benefits; this warm-season perennial, image 56
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — The Little Bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium, is a North American native prairie grass; it thrives in USDA zones
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium) — it shifts into a stunning display of oranges
Photographs by 7 contributors

Related plants

Adagio Eulalia Grass (Miscanthus Sinensis 'Adagio') — Adagio Eulalia Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Adagio') is a compact ornamental grass reaching 3 to 4 feet

Grass

Adagio Eulalia Grass

Miscanthus Sinensis 'Adagio'

FullUSDA 4–9
Alkali Sacaton (Sporobolus Airoides) — It flourishes in arid zones, reaching 3 feet in height with an equal spread

Grass

Alkali Sacaton

Sporobolus Airoides

FullUSDA 6–10
Alphonse Karr Bamboo (Bambusa Multiplex 'Alphonse Karr') — is a visually striking clumping bamboo; making it an excellent choice for residential gardens

Bamboo

Alphonse Karr Bamboo

Bambusa Multiplex 'Alphonse Karr'

FullUSDA 9–10
Amur Or Silver Banner Grass (Miscanthus Sacchariflorus) — textural contrast to the landscape

Grass

Amur Or Silver Banner Grass

Miscanthus Sacchariflorus

FullUSDA 5–9
'Apache Rose' Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum) — Proven Winners - Prairie Winds® 'Apache Rose' - Switch Grass - Panicum virgatum pink tan rose plant details

'Apache Rose' Switch Grass

Panicum virgatum

Full
Atlas Fescue (Festuca mairei) — This low-maintenance perennial thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to dry conditions

Grass

Atlas Fescue

Festuca mairei

FullUSDA 4–9