Is Little Bluestem Grass good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Little Bluestem Grass is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.

How far apart do I plant Little Bluestem Grass?

Space Little Bluestem Grass about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.

Is Little Bluestem Grass hardy on the Front Range?

Little Bluestem Grass is hardy in USDA 3 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.

How much water does Little Bluestem Grass need?

It needs low water once established.

What color does Little Bluestem Grass turn in fall?

Little Bluestem Grass turns bronze and red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.

How long does Little Bluestem Grass bloom?

Little Bluestem Grass blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.

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Little Bluestem Grass

Schizachyrium scoparium

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-30

Little Bluestem Grass (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 24 to 36 in tall and 12 to 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 nativeOn the CSU listlow water24 to 36 in tall and 12 to 24 in wideXeric / water-wise

Photos

Photo 1: (unknown), Wikimedia Commons (PD)
Photo 2: no rights reserved
Photo 3: Alexschott, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 3 to 9
Water needs: low water
Sun: Best in full sun.
Soil: clay, loam, sandy
Soil pH: 6.5 to 8.0
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: moderate
Site uses: Slopes & erosion control

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 24 to 36 in tall and 12 to 24 in wide
Planting spacing: ~17 to 24 in apart

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: late summer, early fall
Bloom color: cream
Bloom length: Long (several weeks)
Fall color: Bronze, red
Foliage: Semi-evergreen

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: high
Deer: Not rated
Colorado native: Yes
Native ecoregion: shortgrass prairie, foothills

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

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 a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
How big does Little Bluestem Grass get?: It matures to about 24 to 36 in tall and 12 to 24 in wide.
How far apart do I plant Little Bluestem Grass?: Space Little Bluestem Grass about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
Is Little Bluestem Grass hardy on the Front Range?: Little Bluestem Grass is hardy in USDA 3 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
How much water does Little Bluestem Grass need?: It needs low water once established.
What color does Little Bluestem Grass turn in fall?: Little Bluestem Grass turns bronze and red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
Is Little Bluestem Grass native to Colorado?: Yes. It is a Colorado native.
How long does Little Bluestem Grass bloom?: Little Bluestem Grass blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.