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Plant Profiles / Little bluestem
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Little bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium · Little bluestem
A native prairie grass with blue-green summer foliage that turns copper, red and orange in autumn. Tough, upright and beautiful through winter.
Full sunLight
Fortnightly, drought tolerantWater
Very easyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
Full sun for upright growth and the best autumn colour.
Water
Fortnightly, drought tolerant
DryWet
Water to establish, then rarely. Pots need water in heat.
Humidity
Low
LowHigh
Prefers dry conditions.
Temperature
Hardy, -35–38°C (-31–100°F)
CoolWarm
Very tough.
Growth
Moderate, upright clump
SlowFast
Grows 60–120 cm tall.
Soil
Lean, well-drained
LeanRich
Poor, sandy or rocky soils; rich soil causes flopping.
Fertiliser
None
RarelyOften
No fertiliser needed.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
About this plant
Little bluestem is native to North American prairies, where its deep roots help it survive drought and poor soils. Varieties such as 'Standing Ovation' and 'Blue Heaven' have extra-upright stems and strong colour.
Best spots
Sunny balconies in pots, meadow plantings, borders and dry gardens.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Schizachyrium scoparium |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Origin | North America |
| Plant type | Warm-season perennial grass |
| Mature size | 60–120 cm |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Foliage | Blue-green, turning copper-red in autumn |
| Flowers | Fluffy silver seedheads |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Division or seed |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Active growth
Autumn colour
Cut back
Divide
Active growthAutumn colourCut backDivide
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Floppy stems | Too much water, shade or fertiliser. |
| Slow spring growth | Normal; it's a warm-season grass. |
| Brown centre | Divide the clump. |
| Weak colour | Too much shade. |
| Rot | Wet soil. |
Common questions
When do I cut it back?
In late winter, to about 10 cm.
Is it good for wildlife?
Yes; birds eat the seeds and insects shelter in it.
Can it grow in a pot?
Yes, in full sun with a gritty mix.
Does it spread?
It forms clumps and may self-seed lightly.
