Schizachyrium scoparium

Common Name
Little bluestem
Prairie beardgrass
Prairie beard ggass
Plant Form
Grasses, Sedges & Rushes
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
4.0
Growth Rate
Medium
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Hardiness Zone
5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Photographer: mefisher
Licensed under: CC0 1.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: mefisher
Licensed under: CC0 1.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: Frederick Nunley
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: Frederick Nunley
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Additional Info

Habitat: open woods, pinelands and dry clearings

Wildlife value: Provides excellent cover year round. This is a larval host plant that supports various skipper larvae and Common Wood-Nymph. Seeds are eaten by songbirds and small mammals

Notes: Tolerates poor soil. Clump grass. Short screen. Cut it back to the ground in late winter or early spring to promote new, attractive growth, and keep mulch away from the crown. Propagate it by seed. 

Flower Color
Purple/lavender
Bloom Time
Early Summer
Late Summer
Fall
Bloom Month
June
July
August
September
October
Fall Color
Gold/Yellow
Orange
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Shade
Moisture Requirements
Moist
Dry
Soil Texture
Clay
Loamy
Sandy
Shallow rocky
Low Maintenance
Yes
Earth Sangha Inventory

Founded in 1997, the Earth Sangha is a nonprofit public charity based in the Washington, DC, region. The Wild Plant Nursery is the most comprehensive source of local-ecotype, native plants in the Washington DC region, and the region’s only facility dedicated exclusively to this type of propagation. “Local-ecotype” plants are propagated from local, wild, naturally-occurring populations and are well-adapted to local conditions and for wildlife species that depend on the local forms, such as pollinators. Inventory is updated on a weekly basis so number may not be accurate.

Pots Available Plugs Available Location Notes
600 42 Row B View My Wishlist
Bona Terra Nursery

Small family-run native plant nursery with a focus on the local genetics necessary to restore diversity in the Chesapeake eco-region. Offers free remote design service for small gardens up to 400 square feet. Orders are placed via email and items can be picked up at their NW DC office or delivered for a fee. This plant list is from the beginning of the 2025 season and may be out-of-date

Pots Available Pot Size Notes Add to Wishlist
0 Quart View My Wishlist
0 1 Gallon View My Wishlist