Source: Donna Bos
Schizachyrium scoparium
Little Bluestem Grass
Barbon à balais
Obsolete Names
broom beardgrass
broom bluestem
small bluestem
schizachyrium à balais
Seeds available at table Mixed Sun, Dry
We currently accept seeds for this plant
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 that come back year after year
Gardener Experience:
Suitable for beginner gardeners
Does not spread uncontrollably
Self-seeding
Suitable for beginner gardeners
Does not spread uncontrollably
Self-seeding
Landscape uses:
Suitable for rock gardens
Suitable for rain gardens
Suitable for school gardens
Tolerates boulevard garden conditions
Tolerates foot traffic
Suitable for rock gardens
Suitable for rain gardens
Suitable for school gardens
Tolerates boulevard garden conditions
Tolerates foot traffic
Ecological Benefits:
Supports birds
Supports pollinators
Supports birds
Supports pollinators
Tolerates:
Tolerates salt conditions
Deer resistant
Rabbit resistant
Tolerates foot traffic
Tolerates limestone conditions
Tolerates sandy conditions
Tolerates juglone conditions
Tolerates transplantation
Tolerates salt conditions
Deer resistant
Rabbit resistant
Tolerates foot traffic
Tolerates limestone conditions
Tolerates sandy conditions
Tolerates juglone conditions
Tolerates transplantation
Special Features and Considerations:
Plant Location
Native to Ottawa region: Yes
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.
Plants that grow in similar conditions, that bloom at the same time.
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 Sowing Label (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 mean: 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, shaking seeds to move them once in a while to prevent molding
- At least one 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.