Little Bluestem
ExplorePlants
Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium
Little Bluestem is a pretty grass that turns a beautiful reddish color in the fall! It’s perfect for gardens and natural areas.
Habitat: Prairies and grasslands
Appearance
The Little Bluestem has slender, blue-green stems that transform into fiery shades of orange, bronze, and deep red in the fall and winter. Its upright clumps are topped with delicate, fluffy seed heads that shimmer in the sunlight.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderPoalesFamilyPoaceaeGenusSchizachyrium
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
9
Interesting facts
Its tough stems remain standing, even in heavy winter snows.
Little Bluestem is a vital part of healthy tallgrass prairie ecosystems.
Many small birds rely on its seeds for food during colder months.
This grass gets its name from the bluish tint of its stems!
Special abilities
Ability
Deep-Rooted Survivor
Little Bluestem has extremely deep roots that help it find water during droughts and prevent soil erosion.
Ability
Color Changer
Little Bluestem can change its appearance dramatically, from blue-green in summer to brilliant red in fall, providing seasonal beauty.
Ability
Tough Pioneer
Little Bluestem has a strong ability to grow in poor soils and disturbed areas, helping new ecosystems establish.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 60-150 cm
- Spread
- 30-60 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late summer to fall
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
eaten by
American Bison
Bison bison
A favorite food for grazing bison.
shelters
Greater Prairie-Chicken
Tympanuchus cupido
Provides nesting cover and protection.
eaten by
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus
Deer browse on its tender shoots.
eaten by
Grasshopper Sparrow
Ammodramus savannarum
Feeds on its small, nutritious seeds.
Traits
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Fall Color
Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Also known as
Bluestem Grass
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Explore with care and ask an adult if you’re unsure what to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Little Bluestem?
The easiest way to identify Little Bluestem is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How tall is Little Bluestem?
60-150 cm
How wide does Little Bluestem spread?
30-60 cm
When does Little Bluestem bloom?
Late summer to fall
Is Little Bluestem edible?
No
Is Little Bluestem toxic?
None
What is Little Bluestem's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Little Bluestem pollinated?
Wind
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
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Recent Snaps
Jun 4, 2026
Brattleboro Downtown Historic Districti
Photo attribution
no rights reserved
License: CC0 1.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
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