Little bluestem
Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is the most widely distributed native warm-season grass in North America and the state grass of six US states. Its blue-green summer color, copper-red fall foliage, and fluffy silver seedheads make it the most visually striking bunchgrass on the prairie — and one of the most valuable for grassland birds and pollinators.
Why landowners plant little bluestem
- Bunch-forming growth creates ideal bare-ground travel lanes for quail and pheasant chicks.
- Excellent drought tolerance — outperforms big bluestem on droughty sand and thin upland soils.
- Winter red foliage provides year-round visual value on prairie restorations.
- Host plant for skipper butterflies and multiple native bee species.
Site fit
Little bluestem is the go-to warm-season grass for droughty, thin, or sandy sites where big bluestem struggles. It fits CP25 shortgrass mixes across the entire Great Plains and is the backbone of Nebraska Sandhills, Kansas Flint Hills, and Loess Hills CP25 blends. On wet or heavy clay sites, drop it in favor of big bluestem or prairie cordgrass.
Establishment
Little bluestem seed is chaffy but flows better than big bluestem or Indiangrass. Drill at 1/8 to 1/4 inch or broadcast with firm cultipacking. Germination is 2–3 weeks in warm soil; first-year growth is slow, with visible tillering in year two.
Management
Prescribed burn on a 3–4 year rotation in late spring (mid-April to early May) keeps stands vigorous. Little bluestem tolerates rotational grazing well after year three.
CRP practice fit
Primary short grass in Great Plains and shortgrass CP25 mixes.
Standard nesting-cover grass in pollinator mixes at 1–2 lb/ac.
Anchor grass in bobwhite quail edge buffers.
Common component of Great Plains permanent native grass CP2.
Featured mixes with little bluestem
Pairs well with
Sideoats grama · Prairie dropseed · Purple prairie clover · Butterfly milkweed
Frequently asked questions
No — they're related but different species. Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a 2–4 ft bunchgrass suited to dry sites; big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) is a 4–8 ft grass that prefers mesic soils. Most quality CRP mixes contain both.
Yes — it is one of the best native grasses for droughty sand and thin upland soils. Nebraska Sandhills and Loess Hills CP25 mixes rely on it as the primary warm-season grass.