Photo: Zihao WangCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Little Bluestem Plant Care
Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Schizachyrium scoparium, commonly known as little bluestem or beard grass, is a species of North American prairie grass native to most of the contiguous United States as well as a small area north of the Canada–US border and northern Mexico. It is most common in the Midwestern prairies and is one of the most abundant native plants in Texas grasslands.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Little Bluestem?
Water Little Bluestem every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Little Bluestem Native To?
What Is the Little Bluestem?
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Schizachyrium genus. Little Bluestem is native to most of the contiguous United States as well as a small area north of the Canada–US border and northern Mexico. Little Bluestem is also known as Prairie Bluestem, Broom Bluegrass, Beard Grass.
Little Bluestem displays an upright clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Little Bluestem produces small, inconspicuous flowers on narrow spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Little Bluestem?
Schizachyrium scoparium requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Little Bluestem Need?
Little Bluestem thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Little Bluestem Prefer?
Schizachyrium scoparium grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Little Bluestem prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Little Bluestem?
Well-draining sandy loam with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Little Bluestem to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Little Bluestem?
Feed Little Bluestem every 8 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Little Bluestem?
Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Little Bluestem?
Little Bluestem can be propagated through division, seed.
Is the Little Bluestem Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Little Bluestem, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Little Bluestem?
Little Bluestem is susceptible to grasshoppers, aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Little Bluestem Need?
Little Bluestem grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Little Bluestem is native to most of the contiguous United States as well as a small area north of the Canada–US border and northern Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Little Bluestem as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Little Bluestem is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Schizachyrium genus — compare its care with other Schizachyrium species on PlantoScan.
Schizachyrium is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Little Bluestem thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash, family Poaceae (first published in Fl. S.E. U.S. : 59 (1903)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Little Bluestem, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Zihao Wang, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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