Description

Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a prominent prairie grass usually found in the short to medium grass prairies of Kansas and most common in the midwest and Great Plains. It also occurs sporadically throughout most of the United States in open areas where trees cannot grow. The spring and summer foliage is mint green to blue green. Depending on the variety, they gradually turn a reddish purple color in late summer progressing to deeper reddish purple, red, or orange by fall. At this time when the seed heads have extended, it is at its prettiest. As cold weather sets in and freezes occur, dried foliage turns a pinkish orange with tan and red shades again depending on the variety. Winter color is persistent and lasts until spring cut back in March. Little bluestem is very tolerant of different soils but prefers dry, sandy, loam, or clay soils with plenty of full sun. If planted in rich soil or given too much water, plants tend to grow too tall and flop by late summer. However, there are now improved cultivars that resist flopping. Good air circulation and some wind is needed to avoid rust diseases in humid areas. Sometimes if planted too shallow or if mulched too thickly, plants can heave and die in the winter. In the landscape, little bluestem looks best when planted in medium to large groups giving the look of a miniature prairie. It also combines very well with many other plants that have different textures and colors. Generally if given the proper placement and growing conditions, little bluestem will last indefinitely. Little bluestem as one of the four major grasses (along with Big bluestem, Indiangrass, and Switchgrass) covering millions of acres and Kansas including the Flint Hills. Where and when conditions are safe, it can be burned in late winter or early spring in a prairie or meadow before new growth appears. Many cultivars have been released improving foliage color and flop resistance. Smoke Signal Little Bluestem Grass (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal') has a beautifully refined habit and puts forth a strong show of color in late summer and fall. The glaucous blue-green foliage begins to take on scarlet red tones in late summer, turning a deeper red-purple through the fall. Tiny, tan seed heads appear in early fall on the top half of the stems. An improvement over older cultivars, this grass maintains its strictly upright habit through fall. Smoke Signal is a Walters Gardens Inc. introduction.