Little bluestem, Prairie beardgrass, Broom beardgrass
Schizachyrium scoparium
🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
Little bluestem is primarily used for erosion control, soil stabilization, and as an ornamental grass in native plant gardens. It provides excellent habitat for wildlife, including birds and beneficial insects. While not typically used for food, the seeds can be a food source for birds. Cultivars like 'The Blues' and 'Standing Ovation' offer improved color and form. It's useful in prairie restoration projects and low-maintenance landscapes.
Permapeople description
Schizachyrium scoparium, commonly called little bluestem, is native to prairies, fields, clearings, hills, limestone glades, roadsides, waste areas and open woods from Alberta to Quebec south to Arizona and Florida. It was one of the dominant grasses of the vast tallgrass prairie region which once covered rich and fertile soils in many parts of central North America. It typically matures to 2-4’ (less frequently to 5’) tall, and features upright clumps of slender, flat, linear green leaves (to 1/4“ wide), with each leaf having a tinge of blue at the base. The foliage turns shades of bronze-orange in the fall. Purplish-bronze flowers appear in 3” long racemes on branched stems rising above the foliage in August. Flowers are followed by clusters of fluffy, silvery-white seed heads which are attractive and often persist into winter. The seeds are eaten by many species of birds.
Botanical description
Schizachyrium scoparium is a perennial warm-season bunchgrass native to North America. It typically grows 2 to 4 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. The stems are slender and upright, often with a bluish-green hue in summer, turning bronze or reddish-brown in the fall and winter. The leaves are flat or folded, ranging from 4 to 10 inches long. The seedheads are feathery and silvery-white, appearing in late summer and persisting through winter. The root system is deep and fibrous, making it drought-tolerant and effective for erosion control.
Companion planting
Little bluestem pairs well with other native prairie plants, such as wildflowers like coneflowers (Echinacea spp.), black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta), and asters (Symphyotrichum spp.). It can also be effectively used alongside switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and other native grasses. It generally doesn't have any significantly unfavorable associations.
Propagation methods
Little bluestem can be propagated by seed or division. Seed germination can be improved by cold stratification. Division is best done in the spring or fall. Cuttings are not typically used.
History and traditions
Native American tribes have historically used little bluestem for thatching, bedding, and weaving. It has also been used medicinally, though specific uses are not widely documented. Its primary historical use has been as a forage grass for livestock and as a component of prairie ecosystems.
Usage calendar
Flowering: Late summer/early fall. Seed collection: Fall. Planting: Spring or fall. Pruning: Late winter/early spring (cut back old growth before new growth begins).