A short native grass with distinctive blue-green color in summer turning bronze-purple in fall. Foundation prairie species.

Also called: Bluestem

Native status: Native across most of US

§ Quick facts

SizeHeight 60–150 cm (2–5 ft); densely tufted clumps
WeightN/A
LifespanPerennial; clumps long-lived
OrderPoales
FamilyPoaceae

§ Encyclopedia

Schizachyrium scoparium, commonly known as little bluestem or beard grass, is a species of North American prairie grass native to most of the contiguous United States as well as a small area north of the Canada–US border and northern Mexico. It is most common in the Midwestern prairies and is one of the most abundant native plants in Texas grasslands.

Source: Wikipedia — Schizachyrium scoparium Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Short to medium clumping grass; blue-green in summer turning copper-red in fall; fluffy white-tufted seed heads in fall.

Similar species. Big Bluestem (much taller). Sand Bluestem (sandy soils). Indiangrass (different seed head structure).

Voice. N/A

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. N/A — photosynthesis; C4

Behavior. Second-most-abundant tallgrass prairie species. Among the most widely-distributed native prairie grasses — historically present from Alberta to Mexico, Maine to Arizona. Brilliant rust-red foliage and white-fluffy seed heads provide stunning fall and winter color. State grass of Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. Host plant for at least seven skipper butterfly species.

§ Range

Across most of North America

§ Habitat

Prairies, savannas, fields

§ Threats

Prairie loss to row crops.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the little bluestem is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Plant native prairie grasses. Support prairie restoration.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USDA Plants Database
  • National Park Service Tallgrass Prairie NP
  • Xerces Society skipper host plant guide
  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center