Little Bluestem This perennial, bluish-green, warm seasonal grass served as hay for colonists. 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. Little bluestem is one of the best grasses for nesting and roosting habitat. REC, Western Maryland Schizachyrium scoparium 'Little Bluestem' Add To Cart Add to Favorites We currently do not deliver to your area at this time, please contact us to discuss other options. Habitat: Prairies. Little Bluestem is one of the three dominant species that make up our tall and short grass prairies. It can be found from Canada to Mexico and from the east coast to the west coas Little Bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium, is one of the three dominant species that make up … During snow storms the clumps of little bluestem arch over, providing small shelters very popular with song sparrows, white-throated sparrows, and other overwintering birds. Little bluestem can be found across most of the United States, where it is native, but it is particularly common in the Great Plains states of Kansas and Oklahoma. As we move forward we seek to bring honor and recognition not just to Little Bluestem the grass, but to all community partners, plants, insects, fungi, birds, and … It is native to eastern North America, It is … Wildlife Connections: The caterpillars of several types of skippers (a family of butterfly’s) feed on the leaves. Little bluestem has been eliminated from many areas where it once occurred because of overgrazing. Little bluestem grows in coastal shrubland habitats and has roots that reach 5 to 8 … They establish quickly on disturbed soilsperfect for banks, slopes, and restorations. Plant Care. 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. Little Bluestem Grass, Schizachyrium scoparium When I visit large gardens, I am in awe of their beauty—as well as the work that is required to make and keep them gorgeous. Family: (Poaceae) Grasses. Little bluestem is a tufted, warm-season, perennial grass broadly distributed and native to the U.S. and Canada. Schizachyrium is tough and adaptable, tolerant of a range of moisture conditions from average to nearly arid. Little Bluestem Growing Conditions Little Bluestem can grow in almost any soil type that drains. Densely mounded, Little Bluestem reaches … Little Bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium Family: (Poaceae) Grasses Habitat: Prairies Height: 3-5 ft. Bloom Period: August - October Description: The common name refers not only to its small stature but also to its bluish-green stem color as it first emerges in the spring. Little Bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium Grass family (Poaceae) Description: This perennial grass is 2-3' tall and densely tufted at the base. It also provides food and cover for reptiles, birds, and mammals. 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. Little bluestem is a climax component of many ecological sites in south Texas. REC, Native Plants for Meadows in MD's Coastal Plain. Little bluestem plant is a native grass to North America. Little bluestem has a deep fibrous root system that can reach depths of 3′-5′ (1-1.6 m). Better for Birds, 100% Neonic-Free; Not Available in non-native regions, states or counties (see Native Regions map) Walking through an American Beech tree … This perennial, bluish-green, warm seasonal grass served as hay for colonists. Schizachyrium scoparium. Wildlife: During snow storms the clumps of little bluestem arch over, providing small shelters very popular with song sparrows, white-throated sparrows, and other overwintering birds. Colors in summer and then copper from October to March Connections: the caterpillars of several types of skippers a! Native turns striking copper-orange to dark orange-red in the fall and winter, persisting through winter snows –... The silvery chains of seed emerge, and mammals the leaves and as a grass! A highly ornamental native grass to North America windy days, forming ripples across the.. Though it should be planted in a wide variety of soils but is well. 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