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Little Bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium

Botanical illustration of Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Botanical plate of Schizachyrium scoparium — Curtis-style illustration.

Little Bluestem

This is a close-up photo of Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem grass).

Schizachyrium scoparium, commonly known as little bluestem or beard grass, is a species of North American 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 prairies 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).

Quick Facts
Scientific name Schizachyrium scoparium
Family Poaceae
Height 2-4 ft
Bloom time Aug-Sep
Sun Full sun
Moisture Dry
Soil Sand, gravel, loam
Wildlife value Host to several skippers; copper winter color; the most-planted native grass

Mentioned In

Image Credits

  • Unknown (Public domain)
  • Alexschott (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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