Little Bluestem

Little Bluestem is a fine-textured, warm-season bunchgrass that shifts from blue-green in spring to copper and russet tones in fall. It anchors meadow plantings and brings structure to pollinator schemes.

• When to sow: Late fall or early spring outdoors. For indoor starts, sow 6–8 weeks before last frost.
• Light: Full sun (6+ hours) for strongest color and habit.
• Soil: Prefers dry to medium, well-drained soils; thrives in lean, sandy, or rocky sites.
• Water: Keep lightly moist through germination. Once established, highly drought-tolerant.
• Depth: Sow seeds 1/8–1/4" deep and press firmly for good soil contact.
• Spacing: 18–24" apart to allow graceful clumps to develop.

For a more naturalistic look, broadcast in informal drifts and thin as needed. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause floppy growth.

Little Bluestem is a signature North American prairie grass and a key component of open, sunny habitats. Its upright seed-bearing stems persist through winter, offering texture, movement, and subtle sound.

• Height: 2–4 feet in bloom, shorter in lean soils.
• Season: Foliage emerges in late spring; strongest color from midsummer through winter.
• Wildlife: Provides cover for birds and small wildlife; host plant for several skipper butterflies.
• Habit: Dense, vertical clumps that hold their form and resist lodging in wind.
• Best uses: Meadows, dry borders, slopes, streetscapes, and matrix plantings with native perennials.

Leave stems standing through winter for habitat and winter interest. Cut back in late winter or very early spring before new growth emerges.