Little bluestem is one of the most abundant grasses in Kansas, and it has significant economic importance in the Flint Hills region. Tolerates nutrient-poor soils and requires little care. There are no serious pest or disease threats to little bluestem plants. This 3-foot-tall bunchgrass grows a foot in diameter. Go to list of cultivars. It Our future. Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menus and submenus. It is adapted to a wide variety of soils and soil moisture and can withstand some shading. Dusted Skipper 3. The flowers are wind pollinated. The seeds establish easily after spring rains wash them into the soil, which means the unwary gardener may find little bluestem in lawns and other areas where it is not wanted. We grow one species of Schizachyrium, the North American native Schizachyrium scoparium, commonly known as Little Bluestem. Crossline Skipper 2. Maryland Distribution: Dry areas with poor soil, sunny meadows, woodland edges.Throughout the state. Blue Heaven™ (Schizachyrium scoparium 'MinnBlueA'):  4 feet tall with an upright habit; steel blue leaves change to tones of burgundy, pink and orange in fall. use escape to move to top level menu parent. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! It tends to go dormant without moisture, so the best appearance is preserved with weekly watering, especially those plants in containers. This is a warm season grass, so its most active growth occurs in summer. Little bluestem is an upright grass that grows from 2 to 4 feet tall. Wetland Status. The tiny, green to white flowers occur on spikes. It is found in many types of soil but is particularly adapted to well-drained, nearly infertile soil which makes it an excellent erosion barrier. Within a submenu, use escape to move to top level menu parent. This plant has some cultivated varieties. Retains its upright form through winter, providing structure in the landscape and shelter for wildlife. Read on for little bluestem information so you can decide if this interesting plant is right for your landscape. Andropogon scoparius). The leaves and stems frequently have a bluish cast in summer, while the fall color is a very warm copper that does not fade throughout winter. This is a warm season grass, so … It is a host plant for several native butterflies and is popular in the garden trade as well as restoration projects. A foundation species, Little Bluestem is absolutely beautiful in commercial & residential landscapes. Caterpillars of the following Skipper butterflies all feed on Little Bluestem Foliage; 1. The fall color is usually very good. Good drought tolerance. Densely mounded, Little Bluestem reaches … It is a warm season grass that normally grows 1-3′ in height. As its name suggests, this perennial has silvery-blue stems (particularly at the base) and leaves, making it … Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) - Little Bluestem grass seed easily grows to produce one of the most popular ornamental grasses on the market today, and it is widely used in landscaping. (Schizachyrium scoparium) It is a clumping grass. Have tree and plant questions? Little Bluestem can be planted for erosion control and will attract wildlife. This is a selection from the Chicagoland  Grows™ introduction program. "This species is native to the Chicago Region according to Swink and Wilhelm's Plants of the Chicago Region, with updates made according to current research.". Little Bluestem once dominated our tall and short grass prairies from Canada to Mexico. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Little bluestem is a tough, easy-care ornamental grass that’s most beautiful in the fall when its tufts of slim, ¼-inch-wide blue-green leaves turn from rust to wine red and its thin 2- to 3-inch clusters of fuzzy flower spikelets glisten silvery-white in the sun. It is a member of the grass family (Poaceae). Big bluestem, or Andropogon gerardii, also is known as turkey foot, because the seed heads stick outward, resembling a turkey's foot. It will remain standing in winter and can act as winter interest. Get expert help from The Morton Arboretum Plant Clinic. It is a warm-season perennial with similar cultivation needs to little bluestem, but it grows taller (up to 9 feet) and spreads by rhizomes. In tallgrass prairies, companion grasses include Big Bluestem, Indian Grass, and Switch Grass. The foliage of this natural beauty adds a kaleidoscope of pastel colors in summer and coppery tones in fall. Little bluestem plant is a native grass to North America. The Grass Manual on the Web - Illustration (SCSC) The Grass Manual on the Web - Map (SCSC) Noted for its striking reddish-tan foliage, Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) is a densely-tufted, deciduous, perennial grass forming an upright clump of fine-textured, slender, arching, blue-green leaves. Ottoe Skipper 5. Height: 1.5-3 feet Blooms: Silky seeds emerge in fall Sun: Full sun Soil: Dry, poor soil of any texture Garden Use & Maintenance: Clumping, perennial warm season grass. It is perhaps best adapted to well-drained, dry, poor soils. Once established, it is a drought-resistant, easy-care clumping grass that is attractive at any season. Natural Areas Conservation Training Program, Black walnut toxicity (plants tolerant of), Preventing construction damage to trees and shrubs, Trees and shrubs for the four seasons landscape, Sudden Oak Death, Ramorum Blight and Phytophthora ramorum, Eastern United States Wetlands Collection. The three variations of bluestem grass are big bluestem, little bluestem and sand bluestem. Seeds are fuzzy and white at maturity and great value to small birds. Growing little bluestem grass in the landscape as an ornamental foliage plant provides a dimensional and architectural foil for broad leaved and flowering plants. Little bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium, is a North American prairie native found throughout the 48 contiguous states, except for the far western, coastal areas. They establish quickly on disturbed soilsperfect for banks, slopes, and restorations. Use as an ornamental specimen, or for … It is a perennial warm-season grass with pretty bluish-green color followed by rust colored fall foliage and fluffy white seed heads. (They dry well, by the way.) It is truly an important plant for the e… As an added bonus, songbirds and gamebirds enjoy the seeds and it provides cover for foraging wildlife. At that time, it can be cut down to the ground. In shortgrass prairies, it is often the dominant species along with Side-oats Grama. Sow the seed in spring or plant plugs for quicker establishment. Swarthy Skipper Additionally, various small songbirds eat the seed of Little Bluestem during the Fall/Winter. Little bluestem, lovegrass and sideoats grama are usually in these seeding mixtures in addition to big bluestem and indiangrass. The foliage provides excellent color all season-long and creates the perfect backgrop for prairie flowers. Little Bluestem is a highly ornamental native grass prized for its blue-green leaf color and upright form. The only way to prevent this is to cut off the seed heads before they mature, but this reduces some of the visual appeal. This bunch grass also provides cover for small wildlife. But almost everywhere that could be plowed has been plowed. It needs no nitrogen application the first year, but in subsequent years will benefit from a high nitrogen fertilizer application in spring. Eradicating KR or Kleberg bluestem is difficult unless the grass was introduced only recently and in small amounts. Warm-season grass forage quality Forage quality measurements (protein, fiber, digestibility) of warm-season grasses have consistently been lower than measurements for cool-season grasses at the same growth stage. Read more articles about Little Bluestem Grass. May self seed, sometimes excessively. The Blues is a magnificent cultivar, chosen for its steely blue summer and blazing fall color.It effortlessly delivers rugged charm with a tidy, erect habit. Stop by, email, or call. Read on for little bluestem information so you can decide if this interesting plant is right for your landscape. Browse the curated collection and add your voice! Cultivars are plants produced in cultivation by selective breeding or via vegetative propagation from wild plants identified to have desirable traits.". The plants also grow side shoots which can be divided from the parent and transplanted. You can search, browse, and learn more about the plants in our living collections by visiting our BRAHMS website. Schizachyrium is tough and adaptable, tolerant of a range of moisture conditions from average to nearly arid. Little bluestem grows in a wide range of soil types as long as they are not wet. Little Bluestem is an iconic warm season grass of the prairie habitat that is commonly used in both landscaping and restoration projects. Plants vary in height, color, length of leaves, flowering, and clump diameter Schizachyrium scoparium is the botanical name for little bluestem plant. Little Bluestem is a 2' to 4' tall native perennial warm season bunch grass. Schizachyrium scoparium, commonly called little bluestem, is native to prairies, fields, clearings, hills, limestone glades, roadsides, waste areas and open woods from Alberta to Quebec south to Arizona and Florida.It was one of the dominant grasses of the vast tallgrass prairie region which once covered rich and fertile soils in many parts of central North America. Use up and down arrow keys to explore within a submenu. Use up and down arrow keys to explore within a submenu. Texas, … From top level menus, use escape to exit the menu. variety of soils and is a very attractive grass in summer and fall. Plant Care. The plant needs supplemental water in early establishment stages, but thereafter is quite self-sufficient except in severe drought. The leaves are flat with slightly hairy bases and tend to roll up at maturity. General: Little bluestem is a tufted (sometimes with short rhizomes), warm-season (C 4), perennial grass broadly distributed and native to the U.S. and Canada. A handsome, dwarf clumping grass with distinct blue-green blades highlighted pink by mid-summer. It is found in many types of soil but is particularly adapted to well-drained, nearly infertile soil which makes it an excellent erosion barrier. State grass of Kansas. Our communities. Schizachyrium scoparium (formerly Andropogon scoparius) Graminoid Grass Family. Little bluestem is an upright grass that grows from 2 to 4 feet tall. It is able to grow on both acidic and alkaline soils. Its silvery seed heads rise to a height of nearly 2 feet in late summer and are at their best when backlit in the morning or afternoon sun. It prefers warm regions where there are rocky outcrops or dry gritty soil but is also found as transition material between cultivated land and forest. Foliage transitions into a kaleidoscope of copper, pink, and mahogany in fall. The alternate leaves are 1/4 inch wide and 10 to 14 inches long. “These plants are cultivars of a species that is native to the Chicago Region according to Swink and Wilhelm's Plants of the Chicago Region, with updates made according to current research. Tolerate of both alkaline and acid soils. Schizachyrium scoparium (syn. Use enter to activate. Bluestem grass is a remarkably adaptable and attractive addition to the home landscape as long as you are aware of its invasive potential. Most important in distinguishing these species is the seedheads. The foliage of this North American prairie native turns striking copper-orange to dark orange-red in the fall and winter, persisting through winter snows. No serious pests. Little Bluestem is a perennial, warm-season grass that may grow to 5 feet. Standing Ovation (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Standing Ovation'): 3 to 4 feet tall with an upright habit; blue foliage with purple tints; fall color is red-orange and burgundy. Seasons of Interest: Leaves: Summer/Fall/Winter; Bloom: Late Summer/Fall; Fruit/Seed/Nut: Fall/Winter Little bluestem is not to be confused with big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), which was the dominant species of the tall grass prairie. Little Bluestem... Has been reported from every county in Kansas, Is found in a variety of locations (prairies, dry hills, open woods) and in a variety of soil types (deep, shallow, fine textured, rocky soils), Is a mid-grass that reaches 2 to 5 feet at maturity, little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium var. Color, however, may vary. We do not seem to have this in our living collection. Little Bluestem native grass is often used in wildflower plantings because it is short and mixes well with wildflowers for increased attraction. This warm-season grass’ native prairie habitat has almost disappeared, but don’t worry. Explore {{searchView.params.phrase}} by color family {{familyColorButtonText(colorFamily.name)}} Prairie Munchkin (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Prairie Munchkin'): 2 1/2 feet tall with a narrow, columnar habit; silvery blue foliage turns maroon and orange in fall. Bluestem can refer to various grasses: Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) and other species of the genus Andropogon; Species in the genus Dichanthium; This attractive grass produces purplish plumes with grey/green foliage. Little bluestem is a prairie grass native to Illinois. Foliage color can be varied, with some plants being more green and other more blue-green. It is shorter than many prairie grasses, growing only 2 to 4 feet tall. The following menu has 3 levels. Look up bluestem grass in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a prairie bunchgrass very important in quail restoration projects.Can have bluish color on the stems in spring and summer, and reddish tan color in the fall. Sign up for our newsletter. In container situations, this means you will need to divide the plant annually to prevent overcrowding and the take-over of the container. Because of this broad distribution, little bluestem exhibits significant ecotypic variation. stoloniferum creeping bluestem Legal Status. little bluestem (right) in mid-October. Little Bluestem was originally the most abundant of all native grass. Deer graze on bluestem grass. It is a clumping grass. Tolerate of both alkaline and acid soils. Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), often more than 2 metres (6.5 feet) tall, is the characteristic plant species of the North American tallgrass prairie.It is sometimes known as turkeyfoot, in reference to its forked flower cluster, and is a good hay and pasture plant. Blaze (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blaze'):   2 to 3 feet tall with an upright form; blue-green foliage turns to red, mixed with pruple and orange; remains pinkish in winter. Little Bluestem grows well on a variety of soil types, including Deep, shallow, sandy, fine textured, and rocky soils. Little Bluestem is a very important plant for pollinators in that it is a larval host to over a dozen of insects. For a wonderful little workhorse in the landscape, get your hands on The Blues Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium The Blues'). Indian Skipper 4. The Blues (Schizachyrium scoparium 'The Blues'):  3 feet tall with an upright habit; blue foliage with red accents on stem; fall color is a mix of blue, purple and orange. They also shine in meadows, prairi… Building the urban forest for 2050. A pretty grass, Little Bluestem is another iconic species of prairies that once covered much of Minnesota. The Morton Arboretum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that relies on the generosity of members and donors. Interpreting Wetland Status. As an ornamental it is a valued plant in borders, native gardens, and wildflower meadows. The grass’s fluffy seed heads are an added attraction to this colorful plant but they freely disperse in wind and, when disrupted, send floating seeds to all corners of the garden. It grows well on deep, shallow, sandy, fine-textured or rocky soils in either uplands or lowlands. 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Little bluestem grows in a wide range of soil types as long as they are not wet. Its color deepens to rusty mahogany in fall and the clumps persist through much of the winter unless crushed by snow. Browse 161 bluestem grass stock photos and images available, or search for little bluestem grass to find more great stock photos and pictures. By: Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist. It is a forage grass in native regions for wild grazers and other animals. Prairie Blues (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Prairie Blues'): 3 feet tall with an upright habit; blue gray foliage turns red-orange in fall. It is a bunch type, native, warm-season, perennial mid grass, with a dense root system, and may reach heights of from 2 to 4 feet tall. Flowering occurs in late summer into early autumn. The photographs featured on the State Grass Initiative portion of the Kansas Native Plant Society website are available for educators to download and print for classroom use. Good drought tolerance. This includes skipper butterflies and grasshoppers. The light tan color of broomsedge is most noticeable compared to the dark red stems of little bluestem. It is a prolific self-seeder and can become invasive with little bluestem in lawns a major competitor to traditional turf grass. Explore this online platform for Chicago-area residents to share their favorite stories about trees. Perennial. The fruit have a fluffy appearance due to white hairs. Little bluestem plant is a native grass to North America. The plant turns a red or bronze-orange cast after frost. It is prized for its small fluffy seed heads and good fall color. Jazz (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Jazz'):  2 to 3 feet tall with an upright habit; silvery blue foliage turns mauve purple in fall. Little bluestem is a tidy, finely textured clumping grass with a blue-green summer color. State Grass > Photo Gallery Little Bluestem Photo Gallery Gallery . Its roots, which grow 5-8 feet long, enable it to resist moderate drought conditions. Seeds and plugs make growing little bluestem grass in the landscape easy and they are available where wild plants are sold. Our trees. It is a prolific self-seeder and can become invasive with little bluestem in lawns a major competitor to traditional turf grass. Noteworthy Characteristics. Little Bluestem grass (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a Texas native which has moved from the pasture into the home landscape in recent years. Since this grass remains attractive through winter, it should not be cut back until early spring, before new growth begins. Carousel (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Carousel'):  compact (2 1/2 feet tall) with an upright habit; blue green foliage with purple tints; fall color is a mix of copper, pink and mahogany. Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menus and submenus. Stock photos and images available, or search for little bluestem during the Fall/Winter Bonnie L. 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