Bluestem grass refers to two species: little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii). Little bluestem is much smaller than big bluestem and is ideal for containers and edging garden borders and pathways. Big bluestem can reach 6 feet high and punctuates gardens with height and color. Both grasses range in color from blue-green in the summer to pinks and red-bronze in the fall.
Big Bluestem, Broomsedge, Turkey Foot, Little Bluestem, Prairie Beardgrass, Prairie Beard Grass
Native To:
N. & Central America
Plant Type:
Ornamental Grasses
Foliage Type:
Deciduous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
3 - 10
Flower Color:
Blue, Brown/Copper, Red/Burgundy
Flower Bloom Time:
Fall, Winter
Growth Habit:
Arching, Clumping, Erect, Open
Attracts:
Butterflies, Pollinators
Tolerates
Drought, Erosion, Pollution, Salt, Wet Soil
Resists:
Deer, Pests, Disease
How To Use Bluestem Grass In The Garden
Bluestem grasses, including little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), are native prairie species known for their adaptability to various soil conditions, such as dry, poor, clay, gritty, sandy, and average soils. Both grasses display notable color transitions, shifting from cool blue-green in summer to coppery or reddish tones in autumn. These warm-season grasses form upright clumps that flower in the summer and go dormant from late fall to winter. Their extensive, fibrous root systems make them effective for dry sites and erosion control on slopes and ravines.
These native grasses play various roles in landscape design, from bold focal points to textural mass plantings. Big Bluestem suits larger spaces as a screening element or tall backdrop, while Little Bluestem integrates well into borders or meadow-inspired groupings. The airy foliage provides movement in the garden and pairs especially well with pollinator-friendly perennials. For the best results, situate bluestems in full sun and well-drained soil, then allow the spent stems to remain through winter for added structure and habitat.
Types of Bluestem Grass
Type
Scientific Name
Native
Foliage
Zones
Uses
Features
Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium
Prairies & open sites of Eastern & Central North America
Narrow blue-green blades in summer; turn bronze-orange to mahogany through winter (2–4 ft)
Bluestem grasses prefer full sun and adapt to various soil types, including sandy, clay, and gritty soils, but avoid poorly drained areas. Plant with the crown slightly above soil level and water well during the first growing seasons to establish roots. Once established, they are drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional watering in dry spells. Fertilization is rarely needed; a light application of balanced fertilizer in spring suffices if soil tests show deficiencies.
Prune in early spring by cutting back last year’s growth to encourage new shoots. These grasses are winter-hardy to zone 3 but may need mulch in colder climates for extra protection. For container growth, choose well-draining pots slightly larger than the root ball and fill with a loose potting mix. Water when the soil feels dry, and use diluted fertilizer in spring to maintain healthy growth.
Plant bluestem in an open site that bakes in sun all day, drains quickly, and stays on the dry‑to‑mesic side with no extra fertilizer.
Stout purple coneflower threads its midsummer disks through the grass clumps, its taproot matching the bluestem’s drought resistance while its nectar draws the same prairie pollinators the grass shelters.
Add the spiky violet torches of salvia for height, weave in airy gold coreopsis for a lower ribbon of color, and cluster milkweeds for early blooms and monarch host leaves. These four partners relish lean prairie soil, reinforce the grass’s upright habit, and extend wildlife value from spring through fall.
Growing Zones: 3 to 9
