Little bluestem provides year round visual interest. Plants emerge as the weather warms, and grow into tight clumps of erect, blue-green, fine textured grass, up to a height of 4'. As the weather cools, the grass turns to spectacular shades of orange, red and crimson, and the seed heads develop into showy white tufts. Both the grass, and seed heads, will persist well into winter, and will provide wonderful contrast in areas that receive snow.

Schizachyrium scoparium is very easy to grow, low maintenance, and highly adaptable. The only conditions it will not tolerate are shade and wet soil. It thrives in poor, dry soil in full sun. In a garden, It can be mixed with tall growing perennials as a ground covering filler and weed barrier. These taller perennials will over shadow the little bluestem, keep its height in check. Its neat form makes it a good specimen choice for a rock garden. It is also quite effective in groups or in masse plantings. Though it will naturalize by seed, it does not do so aggressively, and therefore the spread is easy to control if so desired. [adapted from izelplants.com]