Schizachyrium scoparium

RHS Plant Profile
blue stem
blue stem Dorling Kindersley Ltd

Other common names

broom beard grass, broom grass, bunchgrass, little bluestem, prairie grass, wire grass

Synonyms

Andropogon scoparius

Grass Like

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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