Little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium
Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a deciduous perennial grass in the Poaceae family, native to Prairies and open ground across most of North America. It grows 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -38 °C (-36 °F). Space plants about 45 cm (18 in) apart.
Plan Little bluestem in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Little bluestem at a glance
| Type | Perennial grass, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Poaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 45 cm (18 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -38 °C (-36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about August for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Prairies and open ground across most of North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Little bluestem toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Little bluestem
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
See Little bluestem in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden (8 plants)
- Missouri Botanical Garden (20 plants)
- Longwood Gardens (24 plants)
- Denver Botanic Gardens (24 plants)
- New York Botanical Garden (12 plants)
Questions about Little bluestem
- How far apart should I plant Little bluestem?
- About 45 cm (18 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Little bluestem need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Little bluestem need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Little bluestem?
- It tolerates about -38 °C (-36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Little bluestem flower?
- From about August for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Little bluestem poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Little bluestem?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Little bluestem. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- Bluish summer foliage turns copper-orange in autumn; flops in rich, moist soil.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Fountain grass Pennisetum alopecuroides
- Sweet corn Zea mays var. saccharata
- Lemongrass Cymbopogon citratus
- Clumping bamboo Fargesia murielae
- Maiden grass (miscanthus) Miscanthus sinensis
- Golden bamboo Phyllostachys aurea
- Switchgrass Panicum virgatum
- Blue fescue Festuca glauca