Description
A great and versatile grass that was originally found in dry gravel prairies and can be planted to sustain dry or mesic conditions. Little Bluestem rises to be about 4 feet tall and is noticeable by its hairy, white flower clusters that descend the stalk of the plant. It looks terrific in both a manicured landscape as well as a sweeping prairie. Great winter interest and a food source for songbirds. The caterpillars of several skippers feed on the foliage of Little Bluestem, including various skippers, including the Dusted, Cobweb, Ottoe, and Crossline Skipper. A skipper looks like a cross between a small moth and a small butterfly with jet wings.
Soil Type: Clay/Loam/Sand/Gravel
Soil Conditions: Mesic-Dry
Flower Color: N/A
Height: 3'
Light: Full sun
Credits: Info courtesy of Pizzo Native Nursery; Photos courtesy of: L. Glasscock, hosted by the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / USDA SCS. 1991. Southern wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. South National Technical Center, Fort Worth. (Fallcolor)
J.S. Peterson, hosted by the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database (Summer photo)