Schizachyrium scoparium

A striking native warm-season prairie grass, Little Bluestem forms tidy clumps of narrow blue-green foliage that deepen to vibrant copper and burgundy in autumn. In late summer, delicate silvery-purple flower panicles rise above the foliage, transitioning into fluffy white seed heads that provide winter interest and food for birds. Adaptable and resilient, it thrives in full sun on well-drained, poor soils and is both drought- and deer-resistant. This low-maintenance grass is ideal for mass plantings, borders, prairie restorations, and wildlife gardens, offering year-round structure and ecological benefits. Perennial of the Year 2022.

• 1 - 2.5" Plug
• Blue-green summer foliage
  
• Copper-orange fall colour
• Drought & Deer Resistant; Wildlife‑Friendly
  

Specifications	Details
Colour	Blue-green foliage → copper‑orange/burgundy in fall; silvery-purple blooms, white seed heads
Hardiness Zone	3 - 9
Plant Height	24–48 in (60–120 cm); blooms stalks may reach ~60 in (150 cm)
Plant Width	12–24 in (30–60 cm)
Sun Requirements	Full sun (thrives in open sun)
Fragrant	No
Deer Resistant	Yes – typically avoided by deer
Plant Timing	Warm-season grower
Bloom Timing	August - October
Plant Depth	Crown at soil level
Plant Spacing	18–24 in (45–60 cm) recommended for clumps