Little Bluestem

Plant in spring or fall in well-drained to dry, lean soil, spacing 18–24 inches apart. Little bluestem is one of the most important and beautiful native prairie grasses — forming an upright, blue-green clump in summer that transforms to copper and bronze in fall, with fluffy, white seed heads that persist through winter. It adapts to poor, dry, sandy soils without special preparation.

Cut plants back to 4–6 inches in late winter before new growth begins. This native grass is highly drought tolerant and very long lived with minimal care once established. The blue summer color, copper fall color, and fluffy winter seed heads provide three seasons of outstanding interest. No fertilizing needed in lean soils. Little bluestem is an essential native grass for naturalistic plantings, prairie gardens, and anywhere a tough, beautiful native plant is needed.