Flowers in late … Neutral: On Apr 26, 2002, lupinelover from Grove City, OH (Zone 6a) wrote: Prairie native. Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)I read on Botanical Interests‘ site, the place I bought my seeds, that I should start little bluestem indoors 10-12 weeks before the last frost (April 29 in our area):. Little bluestem in the immature growth phase is ... (8 inches or less row spacing) at approximately 4.5 lb/acre (eastern ND … Highly drought resistance. Leaves grow to 4" and flower stalks grow to 8". The leaves and stems frequently have a bluish cast in summer, while the fall color is a very warm copper that does not fade throughout winter. Does well in light shade. CHECK AVAILABILITY. In late summer inconspicuous flowers are held on branched stems above the leaves. It is found in many types of soil but is particularly adapted to well-drained, nearly infertile soil which makes it an excellent erosion barrier. Can be sown in the early fall so plants get established before winter and get an early start on spring. Noteworthy Characteristics. For example: if Festuca mairei is expected to grow to approximately 120 cm (44") in height, then dividing that number in half gives you a spacing … Noted for its striking reddish-tan foliage, Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) is a densely-tufted, deciduous, perennial grass forming an upright clump of fine-textured, slender, arching, blue-green leaves. The Blues Little Bluestem. Little Bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium is native to Texas and other States. In addition, it is valued for its enduring blue-gray foliage, fall color, and low-maintenance properties. The growing points (apical meristem) are slightly more than an inch above the soil surface (Uchytil, 1989). Stays green year-round. Schizachyrium scoparium 'The Blues' SKU. Clump forming grass. Schizachyrium scoparium, commonly called little bluestem, is native to prairies, fields, clearings, hills, limestone glades, roadsides, waste areas and open woods from Alberta to Quebec south to Arizona and Florida.It was one of the dominant grasses of the vast tallgrass prairie region which once covered rich and fertile soils in many parts of central North America. Seeding rates for little bluestem should be about 7 - 10 pounds of pure live seed (PLS) per acre for pasture planting. Be the first to review this product. Little bluestem plant is a native grass to North America. So perhaps a rule-of-thumb for spacing the taller grasses would be to consider the mature height of the foliage and divide that number in half. Fluffy light catching seed clusters follow. Little bluestem has a deep fibrous root system that can reach depths of 3′-5′ (1-1.6 m). Standing Ovation Little Bluestem Grass (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Standing Ovation' PP25,202) is a new selection of our native Little Bluestem grass. Little bluestem is relatively resistant to fire under moist conditions. It is a prolific self-seeder and can become invasive with little bluestem in lawns a major competitor to traditional turf grass. Outstanding eastern native meadow species. Little Bluestem is a perennial, warm-season grass that may grow to 5 feet. Clumping plants produce half-inch wide leaves on upright stems in a unique light blue coloring. Our 2018 Plant of The Year, 'Standing Ovation' was selected for its strong upright growth habit, blue summer foliage, and outstanding reddish fall color. Generally little bluestem is one component of a range mix, so rate varies depending on percent desired in the stand. Little Bluestem Growing Conditions Little Bluestem can grow in almost any soil type that drains. Seeding Dates: Prairie Blues Little Bluestem is an outstanding choice for ecological landscaping and sites with poor soil, low water, and full sun. FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Schizachyrium scoparium is a mounding grass with narrow green or blue-green foliage. 0579. Seasons of Interest: Leaves: Summer/Fall/Winter; Bloom: Late Summer/Fall; Fruit/Seed/Nut: Fall/Winter When to sow outside: 2 to 4 weeks before average last frost. The foliage of this North American prairie native turns striking copper-orange to dark orange-red in the fall and winter, persisting through winter snows. There are approximately 270,000 clean seeds in one pound of little bluestem. To achieve the really deep roots though it should be planted in a diverse landscape, and not just a mono-culture. This North American prairie native turns striking copper-orange to dark orange-red in the stand one component of a mix... 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