Little Bluestem — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Schizachyrium scoparium |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 14–21 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 18.3–23.9 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 120–180 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 45.7–61 |
| Mature height (cm) | 61–121.9 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 45.7–61 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 3–9 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Direct-sow seeds in spring or plant container transplants in well-drained, lean to moderately fertile, slightly acidic to neutral soil in full sun; little bluestem is the quintessential native prairie grass of the American continent and one of the finest ornamental grasses for dry, infertile sites. Blue-green to blue-silver in summer, it transforms to brilliant shades of russet, copper, and burgundy in fall, holding that color through winter while the fluffy white seed tufts shimmer in low sunlight. Outstanding for dry meadow plantings, naturalized prairie restorations, rain garden edges, and as a matrix grass for native perennial combinations. Leave standing through winter as the seed tufts are critically important to juncos, sparrows, and other seed-eating birds; cut back to 4–6 inches in early spring.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0