Little Bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a medium-growing perennial, hardy in USDA zones 3-9, that matures to about 2-4 ft × 1.5-2 ft. It does best in full sun with low water needs in well-drained, moist and occasionally-dry soil. Expect purple blooms in winter and summer. It attracts butterflies, pollinators and small mammals, stands up well to black walnut, deer and drought, grows happily in containers.

USDA zones

3-9

Sun

Full sun

Water

Low

Mature size

2-4 ft × 1.5-2 ft

Growth rate

Medium

Maintenance

Low

Soil

Well-drained, Moist, Occasionally-dry

Bloom color

Purple

Bloom season

Winter, Summer

Attracts

Butterflies, Pollinators, Small mammals, Songbirds

Tough against

Black walnut, Deer, Drought, Dry soil, Heat, Humidity, Pests, Pollution

Native to

Eastern North America