Schizachyrium scoparium
blue stem
S. scoparium is a densely-tufted, deciduous, perennial grass producing a mound of narrow, arching, blue-green leaves. Upright, silvery reddish-brown flowers appear in late summer. The whole plant turns orange-brown in autumn
Other common names
broom beard grassbroom grass
see morebunchgrass
little bluestem
prairie grass
wire grass
Synonyms
Andropogon scoparius
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver Blue | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | Green Grey Silver Blue | ||
| Autumn | Brown Orange Red | Bronze Orange Red | ||
| Winter | Brown Orange | Brown Orange |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Schizachrium are deciduous, perennial grasses with flat, linear leaves, upright growth and narrowly-branched flower sprays
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- North America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in very well-drained soil in full sun. See ornamental grasses cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Gravel garden
- Prairie planting
- Cottage and informal garden
- Coastal
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut down old stems and leaves in late winter
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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