Schizachyrium scoparium, commonly known as little bluestem or beard grass, is a species of prairie grass native to most of the contiguous United States (except California, Nevada, and Oregon) as well as a small area north of the Canada–US border and northern Mexico. It is most common in the Midwestern and is one of the most abundant native plants in Texas grasslands.
Little bluestem is a perennial bunchgrass and is prominent in tallgrass prairies, along with big bluestem ( Andropogon gerardi), indiangrass ( Sorghastrum nutans) and switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum). It is a warm-season species, meaning it employs the C4 photosynthetic pathway.
Description
Little bluestem grows to become an upright, roundish mound of soft, bluish-green or grayish-green blades in May and June that is about two to three feet high. In July, it initiates flowering stalks, which reach four to five feet in height. In fall, it displays a coppery or mostly orange color with tints of red or purple. Sometimes it displays in some places, as in sandy soils, a redder fall color. It becomes a more orangish-bronze in winter until early spring, when it becomes more tan.
Little bluestem stems tiller within individual plants. Each tiller hierarchy is separated by age, starting from the youngest in the middle pushing the oldest tillers out to the periphery.
Subdivisions
One variety, var.
littorale, is native to the eastern and southern coastal strip of the United States, as well as the shores of the
Great Lakes. It is adapted to
dune habitat, and is sometimes considered a separate species,
S. littorale.
Ecology
Little bluestem is drought tolerant, and is a larval host to the
cobweb skipper,
Cercyonis pegala, crossline skipper,
Dakota skipper,
dusted skipper, Indian skipper, Leonard's skipper,
Ottoe skipper, and
swarthy skipper.
[The Xerces Society (2016), Gardening for Butterflies: How You Can Attract and Protect Beautiful, Beneficial Insects, Timber Press.]
Cultivation
It is recommended for USDA hardiness zones 3 to 10.
The plant grows best in full sun and on well-drained . It can be dug up and divided in spring, as many other perennials, for propagation or to reduce the size of an old, big plant. It can be burned in late winter or early spring in a prairie or meadow before new growth, like many American prairie grasses (big bluestem, Indian-grass, and switchgrass), which burn quickly and cleanly.
Cultivars
A number of
have been developed. 'Carousel' is a compact form with especially good fall color developed by Chicagoland Grows. 'The Blues' is a selection that has bluer foliage. 'Standing Ovation' is a tight, upright form with bluer and thicker blades and sturdier stems.
In culture
Little bluestem is the official state grass of
Nebraska and
Kansas.
External links
