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 nativeOn the CSU listlow water24–36 in tall and 12–24 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
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 3–9
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 24–36 in tall and 12–24 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~17–24 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
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie, foothills
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 24–36 in tall and 12–24 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 3–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–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.
- Is Little Bluestem Grass deer-resistant?
- Little Bluestem Grass is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- 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.
