Little Bluestem Grass
Schizachyrium scoparium
Little Bluestem Grass (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 24–36 in tall and 12–24 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Prairie warm-season grass; blue-green summer foliage turns coppery-red in fall; year-round structure.
Colorado nativelow water24–36 in tall and 12–24 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Schizachyrium scoparium
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 24–36 in tall and 12–24 in wide
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- full sun
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- cream
- Bloom time
- late summer, early fall
- Pollinator value
- high
- Good for
- slope
Planting & establishment
Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Little Bluestem Grass good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes. Little Bluestem Grass is included in the Front Range Plant Finder as a perennial suited to Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Little Bluestem Grass get?
- It matures to about 24–36 in tall and 12–24 in wide.
- How much water does Little Bluestem Grass need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is Little Bluestem Grass native to Colorado?
- Yes — it is a Colorado native.
