Plant Names
Schizachyrium scoparium
Little Bluestem Grass
Barbon à balais
Synonyms
broom beardgrass
broom bluestem
small bluestem
schizachyrium à balais
Plant Characteristics
Bloom Colour: Green
Bloom Period: Jul - Oct
Max Height: 3.0 feet
Max Width: 3.0 feet (spreads by rhizome)
Light Condition:
More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Tolerates dry soil condition
Tolerates medium soil condition
More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Tolerates dry soil condition
Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan:
Perennial
plants that will come back year after year
Gardener Experience:
Suitable for beginner gardeners
Does not spread uncontrollably
Spreads by rhizome
Self-seeding
Suitable for beginner gardeners
Does not spread uncontrollably
Spreads by rhizome
Self-seeding
Landscape Uses:
Suitable for rock gardens
Suitable for rain gardens
Suitable for school gardens
Tolerates boulevard garden conditions
Suitable for rock gardens
Suitable for rain gardens
Suitable for school gardens
Tolerates boulevard garden conditions
Ecological Benefits:
Supports birds
Supports pollinators
Supports birds
Supports pollinators
Tolerates:
Tolerates salt conditions
Deer resistant
Rabbit resistant
Tolerates limestone conditions
Tolerates sandy conditions
Tolerates juglone conditions
Tolerates transplantation
Tolerates salt conditions
Deer resistant
Rabbit resistant
Tolerates limestone conditions
Tolerates sandy conditions
Tolerates juglone conditions
Tolerates transplantation
Special Features and Considerations:
Seed and plant distribution status
No seeds available for this plant.
We currently accept seeds for this plant
Fun Facts
Little bluestem is one of North America's premier native prairie grasses, forming upright blue-green clumps that turn brilliant shades of copper, orange, and red in autumn. It grows best in full sun and dry to average, well-drained soil.
An outstanding host plant for numerous skipper butterflies and several moth species. The seeds provide food for songbirds, while the dense clumps offer shelter for overwintering insects and small wildlife.
Very drought tolerant.
Does not spread aggressively.
Leave standing through winter for wildlife and winter interest.
Cut back in early spring.
Excellent for prairie gardens and erosion control.
An outstanding host plant for numerous skipper butterflies and several moth species. The seeds provide food for songbirds, while the dense clumps offer shelter for overwintering insects and small wildlife.
Very drought tolerant.
Does not spread aggressively.
Leave standing through winter for wildlife and winter interest.
Cut back in early spring.
Excellent for prairie gardens and erosion control.
Plant Location
Native to Ottawa region: Yes
Distribution according to VASCAN
Ephemeral
Native
Introduced
Excluded
Extirpated
Doubtful
Absent
Canadensis
Thrives in Ecozones
- Boreal Plains
- Prairies
- Boreal Shield
- Mixed Wood Plains
Ecological Benefits
Butterflies Supported by Schizachyrium scoparium
No butterfly data available for this plant.
Specialized Bees Supported by Schizachyrium scoparium
No bee data available for this plant.
Complementary Plants
- Anaphalis margaritacea
Pearly Everlasting
Immortelle blanche - Asclepias tuberosa
Butterfly Milkweed
Asclépiade tubéreuse - Liatris spicata
Dense Blazing Star
Liatris à épi - Monarda fistulosa
Wild Bergamot
Monarde fistuleuse - Rudbeckia hirta
Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckie hérissée
Substitute For Non-Native Plants
- Perovskia Atriplicifolia (Russian Sage)
- Miscanthus (Silvergrass)
- Pennisetum setaceum (Fountain Grass)
Sowing Information
Download Seed Envelope Labels (PDF)
- Sowing depth: Sow just below surface
- Sow anytime
- Stratification duration: 0 days
- Self-seeding
- Notes: Can be sown in late spring in warm soil.
Harvesting and Seed Sharing
- Harvest start month: October
- Harvesting indicator:
- Seeds easily fall off when you gently pull them off
- Harvesting:
- Use hand to detach from main stem
- Seed viability test:
- No test needed before donating
- Packaging measure: A dozen (12) seeds (eyeball)
- Seed storage:
- Air dry in paper bag or open container, for a few days until crisp
- Shake seeds to move them once in a while to prevent molding
- Cultivar: Yes, do not donate unless you know source, and there are no known cultivars in your garden or at proximity
- No harvesting video available at this time.
Toxicity Notes
Not likely toxic to mammals.