How tall does little bluestem grow

Shade, excess fertility, and too much moisture will all contribute to lax, floppy growth. For those who want a tidier look, newer cultivars like 'Standing Ovation' have been selected to stay upright even under these flop-prone conditions. For a fresh look and beautiful style, try Little Bluestem in a decorative container. To help choose the best cultivars for your needs, download our Little Bluestem Comparison Chart. For a fun take on this natural beauty, check out our Little Bluestem infographic.

It will grow in a variety of soils, thriving in those that are well-drained, medium to dry, and infertile. It is found in all states except Oregon, Nevada, and Alaska. It flourishes in the tallgrass prairies, and has been named the official state grass of both Kansas and Nebraska. A myriad of blue-, green- and purple-colored foliage creates kaleidoscopes throughout spring and summer, and fall brings reds, coppers, and orange hues.

Little Bluestem provides cover for ground birds and small mammals, and the seed is eaten by songbirds and upland gamebirds. It's also valuable for insects—lending nesting material and structure for native bees, providing pollen for pollinators, and serving as a host plant for skipper butterfly caterpillars. These extensive roots help native grasses withstand periods of drought. Wind-based seeding is typically no more than five or six feet from the plant; animals may transport seeds farther.

Seeds mature in early fall. Fall color. Photo by James H. The flowers are scattered in a single cluster, with long hairs creating a white, feathery appearance to the seedheads. The fluffy plumes look great backlit or as part of a cut arrangement. Frost turns the plants a reddish or coppery color that remains through the winter. If the plants are allowed to remain standing through the winter, they provide shape, texture, and color into the winter months.

Use little bluestem as an accent in the border, or in drifts in natural settings, prairies, or wildscapes that blend into the surrounding woods, pasture or other natural areas at the edge of the home landscape. It makes stunning displays when massed on a large scale, undulating in the breeze. It is a great transition plant between the garden and a natural field or meadow. Little bluestem is prone to lodging on rich soils. This grass grows best in full sun.

The plant will be taller and therefore more prone to flopping late in the season on rich soils and shorter on dry, infertile sites. Do not fertilize heavily and not at all on richer soils. Although it is not recommended for heavy clay, it will grow on clay soils. Van Cise via Flickr. September 27, Join the conversation. Related Stories. Gardening Switchgrass by Jeanne Rostaing.

Read all recent posts. You might be surprised to know that jasmine holds. David is the cofounder of Terremoto, a landscape d. Ken and Jean Victor Linsteadt love symmetry. So many gardeners these days are looking for ways. Fragrance is such an important component in garden.

Follow on Instagram. It is sometimes called milkweed because it produces a milky sap when cut. Search by Plant Name. Schizachyrium scoparium. Save Pin FB More. Asters - Blue with Butterfly. Back to story Comment on this project. Little Bluestem. Tell us what you think Thanks for adding your feedback. All rights reserved.

Close Sign in. Close this dialog window View image Little Bluestem. Division Seed.