Little bluestem grass, scientifically known as Schizachyrium scoparium, is a native grass that adds a touch of beauty and interest to gardens and landscapes. When it comes to its height, little bluestem typically grows in clumps that reach a height of 1 to 2 feet. However, as the summer progresses and late summer approaches, the stems of this grass elongate into flowering stems that can reach up to 5 feet in height. This growth spurt adds a vertical element to the landscape, creating a dynamic and visually appealing display.
The stems of little bluestem are coarse in texture, giving them a slightly rough feel when touched. The basal leaves, which are located at the base of the plant, are also coarse and add to the overall texture of the grass. The leaves are narrow and have a bluish-green color, which gives the grass its common name “little bluestem.” These unique characteristics contribute to the aesthetic appeal of this grass and make it stand out in a garden or landscape setting.
One interesting aspect of little bluestem is its growth pattern throughout the year. In the spring, this grass is slow to emerge, with the new shoots taking their time to appear. However, once the shoots start to grow, they quickly develop into clumps of grass that continue to grow throughout the summer. This growth continues until the first killing frost, which marks the end of the growing season for little bluestem.
During the early stages of growth, the new shoots of little bluestem are very flat and have a distinct bluish color. This flatness gives the grass a unique appearance and adds to its visual appeal. As the grass matures and the flowering stems develop, the bluish color may become less prominent, but the grass still retains its overall beauty and charm.
In my personal experience with little bluestem, I have found that it is a relatively low-maintenance grass that thrives in a variety of soil types, including sandy or clay soils. It is also drought-tolerant, making it a suitable choice for areas with limited water availability. Additionally, little bluestem is a native grass, which means it is well-adapted to the local climate and can attract native wildlife, such as birds and butterflies, to the garden.
To summarize, little bluestem grass grows in clumps that typically reach a height of 1 to 2 feet. However, as the summer progresses, the stems elongate into flowering stems that can grow up to 5 feet tall. The grass has coarse stems and basal leaves, and its new shoots are flat and bluish in color. Little bluestem is slow to emerge in the spring but continues to grow throughout the summer until the first frost. It is a visually appealing and low-maintenance grass that can enhance the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
