Schizachyrium scoparium, commonly known as little bluestem, is a North American prairie grass that has gained popularity in recent years for its ornamental value and ecological benefits. This comprehensive guide will provide gardeners with all the information they need to successfully cultivate and enjoy this remarkable plant.

What Makes Schizachyrium So Special? Little bluestem is a versatile and low-maintenance ornamental grass that offers several unique qualities:

• Attractive Foliage: The foliage of little bluestem is its most striking feature. The slender, blue-green leaves form dense, upright clumps, creating a delicate and airy texture in the garden. In the fall, the foliage transforms into a brilliant display of copper, orange, and red hues, providing a stunning contrast to the muted tones of the winter landscape.
• Showy Seedheads: In late summer, little bluestem produces delicate, silvery-white seedheads that add visual interest and texture to the garden. These seedheads persist into winter, providing food for birds and adding a touch of whimsy to the landscape.
• Adaptability: Little bluestem is a tough and adaptable plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and it is drought-tolerant once established. This makes it an excellent choice for gardeners in various regions and climates.
• Ecological Benefits: As a native grass, little bluestem plays a vital role in supporting local ecosystems. It provides habitat and food for wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and small mammals. Its deep root system also helps to prevent soil erosion.
• Low Maintenance: Little bluestem requires minimal care once established. It is relatively pest-free and deer-resistant. This makes it an ideal choice for busy gardeners who want a beautiful and low-maintenance garden.

Description and Details Little bluestem is a warm-season bunchgrass, meaning it grows most actively during the warmer months and goes dormant in the fall. It typically grows to be 2 to 4 feet tall, with a spread of 2 to 4 feet, but some varieties can reach up to 5 feet in height. The leaves are slender, flat, and linear, resembling "soft, bluish-green or grayish-green blades". This blue-green color intensifies in the spring. In late summer, specifically August and September, it produces flowers that are inconspicuous, but they give way to attractive, feathery seedheads that persist throughout the winter. Each clump can produce an abundance of seeds, with an average of 225,000 to 250,000 seeds per pound. It is important to note that the growth pattern of little bluestem is related to the length of the growing season, with periods of active growth and maturity varying based on the climate.

One unique aspect of little bluestem is its flowering structure. Unlike some other grasses that have multiple racemes (flowering spikes) per stem, little bluestem has a single raceme per stem. This characteristic adds to its botanical interest and distinguishes it from other grasses.

Furthermore, little bluestem exhibits significant ecotypic variation. This means that plants from different regions may have slightly different characteristics, such as variations in height, color, and growth habit. This diversity can be fascinating for gardeners who are interested in exploring different forms of this adaptable grass.

Native Habitat Little bluestem is native to North America and is found in a variety of habitats, including prairies, meadows, open woods, and roadsides. It is one of the dominant grasses of the tallgrass prairie and plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and diversity of these ecosystems.

Landscaping Design Tips Little bluestem's versatility and attractive features make it a valuable addition to any landscape. Here are some design tips for incorporating it into your garden:

• Mass Plantings: Little bluestem creates a stunning visual impact when planted in mass. The swaying motion of the foliage in the breeze adds a sense of movement and tranquility to the garden.
• Borders and Edges: Its upright growth habit makes it an excellent choice for defining borders and edges in the landscape.
• Meadow and Prairie Gardens: Little bluestem is a natural fit for meadow and prairie gardens, where it can be combined with other native grasses and wildflowers to create a naturalistic landscape.
• Container Gardens: Some compact varieties of little bluestem are well-suited for container gardening. They can add height and texture to patios and balconies.

Consider these companion plants to create a dynamic and diverse garden:

Rain Gardens Little bluestem is an excellent choice for rain gardens due to its adaptability and tolerance for a variety of soil conditions. Rain gardens are designed to capture and filter rainwater runoff, and little bluestem's deep root system helps to absorb excess water and prevent erosion. Its ability to tolerate both dry and moist conditions makes it well-suited for the fluctuating water levels in rain gardens.

Planting and Care Little bluestem is relatively easy to plant and care for. Here are some guidelines for successful cultivation:

• Planting: Plant little bluestem in the spring or fall. Choose a location that receives full sun and has well-drained soil. Space the plants about 1.5 feet apart.
• Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to help the plant establish a deep root system. Once established, little bluestem is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
• Soil Preparation: Little bluestem is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, but it prefers well-drained soil that is not overly fertile. It can grow in clay soils, although it may be shorter and less vigorous than in sandy or loamy soils. Amending the soil with compost can improve drainage and provide essential nutrients. It is also tolerant of Black Walnut.
• Fertilizing: Avoid over-fertilizing little bluestem, as this can lead to weak growth and lodging (flopping over). If necessary, apply a light amount of balanced fertilizer in early spring.
• Pruning: Cut back the foliage to about 2-4 inches in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. This will promote healthy growth and maintain the plant's attractive form.

Ecological and Functional Benefits Little bluestem provides valuable habitat for a variety of wildlife. The seeds are eaten by songbirds and small mammals, and the foliage provides cover for ground-nesting birds. It is also a larval host plant for several species of skipper butterflies. In addition to providing food and shelter, little bluestem also offers nesting material and structure for native bees, contributing to the health of pollinator populations.

Little bluestem's deep and fibrous root system makes it an excellent choice for erosion control. It can be used to stabilize slopes and prevent soil loss in areas prone to erosion. Its quick establishment on disturbed soils makes it particularly valuable for restoration projects, helping to re-vegetate and stabilize damaged areas.

Other Insights for Gardeners

• Cultivars: There are many cultivars of little bluestem available, each with its unique characteristics. Some popular options include 'The Blues' (intense blue foliage), 'Standing Ovation' (upright habit), and 'Blaze' (vibrant red fall color).
• Historical Significance: Little bluestem was a dominant grass in the tallgrass prairies that once covered much of North America. It played a vital role in the lives of Native Americans, who used it for various purposes, including thatching, basketry, and medicine.

Schizachyrium scoparium, or little bluestem, is a remarkable ornamental grass that offers a unique combination of beauty, adaptability, and ecological benefits. Its attractive foliage, which transforms into stunning autumn colors, provides long-lasting visual interest. The plant's adaptability to a wide range of soil and moisture conditions makes it suitable for various regions and climates, while its low-maintenance nature makes it a favorite among gardeners. As a native grass, it supports local ecosystems by providing habitat and food for wildlife and contributing to erosion control. By incorporating little bluestem into your garden, you can enjoy its beauty while contributing to the health of the environment.