The Story
Schizachyrium scoparium
A striking native warm-season prairie grass, Little Bluestem forms tidy clumps of narrow blue-green foliage that deepen to vibrant copper and burgundy in autumn. In late summer, delicate silvery-purple flower panicles rise above the foliage, transitioning into fluffy white seed heads that provide winter interest and food for birds. Adaptable and resilient, it thrives in full sun on well-drained, poor soils and is both drought- and deer-resistant. This low-maintenance grass is ideal for mass plantings, borders, prairie restorations, and wildlife gardens, offering year-round structure and ecological benefits. Perennial of the Year 2022.
- 1 - 2.5" Plug
- Blue-green summer foliage
- Copper-orange fall colour
- Drought & Deer Resistant; Wildlife‑Friendly
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Colour | Blue-green foliage → copper‑orange/burgundy in fall; silvery-purple blooms, white seed heads |
| Hardiness Zone | 3 - 9 |
| Plant Height | 24–48 in (60–120 cm); blooms stalks may reach ~60 in (150 cm) |
| Plant Width | 12–24 in (30–60 cm) |
| Sun Requirements | Full sun (thrives in open sun) |
| Fragrant | No |
| Deer Resistant | Yes – typically avoided by deer |
| Plant Timing | Warm-season grower |
| Bloom Timing | August - October |
| Plant Depth | Crown at soil level |
| Plant Spacing | 18–24 in (45–60 cm) recommended for clumps |
Description
Schizachyrium scoparium
A striking native warm-season prairie grass, Little Bluestem forms tidy clumps of narrow blue-green foliage that deepen to vibrant copper and burgundy in autumn. In late summer, delicate silvery-purple flower panicles rise above the foliage, transitioning into fluffy white seed heads that provide winter interest and food for birds. Adaptable and resilient, it thrives in full sun on well-drained, poor soils and is both drought- and deer-resistant. This low-maintenance grass is ideal for mass plantings, borders, prairie restorations, and wildlife gardens, offering year-round structure and ecological benefits. Perennial of the Year 2022.
- 1 - 2.5" Plug
- Blue-green summer foliage
- Copper-orange fall colour
- Drought & Deer Resistant; Wildlife‑Friendly
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Colour | Blue-green foliage → copper‑orange/burgundy in fall; silvery-purple blooms, white seed heads |
| Hardiness Zone | 3 - 9 |
| Plant Height | 24–48 in (60–120 cm); blooms stalks may reach ~60 in (150 cm) |
| Plant Width | 12–24 in (30–60 cm) |
| Sun Requirements | Full sun (thrives in open sun) |
| Fragrant | No |
| Deer Resistant | Yes – typically avoided by deer |
| Plant Timing | Warm-season grower |
| Bloom Timing | August - October |
| Plant Depth | Crown at soil level |
| Plant Spacing | 18–24 in (45–60 cm) recommended for clumps |
