Schizachyrium scoparium aka Little Bluestem

Taxonomy

Genus Schizachyrium Family Poaceae Order Poales Class Liliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Schizachyrium scoparium, also known as little bluestem or beard grass, is a perennial bunchgrass native to most of the contiguous United States, excluding California, Nevada, and Oregon. It is also found in a small area north of the Canada-US border and northern Mexico. This species is particularly abundant in the Midwestern prairies and Texas grasslands. Little bluestem is commonly found in tallgrass prairies alongside big bluestem, indiangrass, and switchgrass. It is a warm-season grass that utilizes the C4 photosynthetic pathway. This densely-tufted, deciduous grass grows to about 1m tall and forms upright clumps of fine-textured, softly-hairy, pale green leaves, some of which may have a grey-green or red tint. During late summer and autumn, it produces racemes of pale green flowers in wispy spikelets that can reach 30cm in length. In autumn and winter, the entire plant typically undergoes a transformation, displaying shades of red, orange, and copper. Little bluestem is a well-adapted perennial grass that thrives in southern climates, tolerating high heat and humidity. Its leaves and stems often exhibit a bluish cast during the summer, while the fall coloration is a warm copper hue.

Common names

Little Bluestem, Prairie Beard Grass, Broom Beardgrass

How to care for Little Bluestem

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Little Bluestem due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Little Bluestem should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Little Bluestem loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Little Bluestem thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Broom Beardgrass.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Little Bluestem is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

The Little Bluestem is a clump-forming species, with new growth originating from the soil surrounding the main plant.

More info:
Wikipedia

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