Little Bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium

Poaceae (Grass Family)

Schizachyrium scoparium:  Little Bluestem

Location near campus:  in ornamental grass bed toward southwest corner of Master Gardener areas north  of Botanical Center Building in Nathanael Green park at the Botanical Center.

·         native warm-season grass with yellow-green to almost blue, soft, curving leaves

·         basal leaves grow about 12-18” tall

·         stiff, upright, thick, leafy flowering stems grow 2-6’ tall

·         flowers are 2-3 curved, feathery spikes in axils of stem leaves (more showy after frost)

·         dried foliage becomes orange-brown to rust-colored and spikes turn feathery white

·         likes dry soils, prefers full sun

·         native to Missouri