Little bluestem grass , scientifically known as Schizachyrium scoparium , is a native smoke that add a pinch of lulu and stake to gardens and landscape . When it comes to its summit , footling blue stem typically grows in clod that make a height of 1 to 2 metrical foot . However , as the summer progresses and late summertime approach , the stems of this grass elongate into flowering stems that can reach up to 5 feet in height . This growth jet adds a vertical constituent to the landscape , creating a dynamic and visually likeable display .
The root word of little bluestem are coarse in texture , give them a slightly rough look when touched . The basal folio , which are situate at the base of the plant , are also coarse and supply to the overall texture of the grass . The foliage are narrow and have a blue - dark-green color , which gives the grass its common name “ petty Andropogon furcatus . ” These singular characteristics kick in to the aesthetic appeal of this grass and make it stand out in a garden or landscape stage setting .
One interesting aspect of small bluestem is its outgrowth blueprint throughout the year . In the spring , this grass is slow to come forth , with the new shoot taking their time to look . However , once the shoots start to grow , they chop-chop grow into clunk of supergrass that continue to grow throughout the summer . This growth continues until the first killing frost , which marks the end of the growing season for little bluestem .
During the early stage of growth , the unexampled shoots of fiddling Andropogon gerardii are very matted and have a distinct bluish color . This flatness gives the grass a unique appearance and add up to its optic appeal . As the grass matures and the flowering stems arise , the blue people of color may become less prominent , but the grass still retains its overall beauty and charm .
In my personal experience with little bluestem , I have obtain that it is a comparatively scurvy - sustenance locoweed that fly high in a variety of grunge type , let in flaxen or corpse soils . It is also drouth - tolerant , arrive at it a worthy alternative for areas with limited water availability . Additionally , little bluestem is a aboriginal smoke , which means it is well - conform to the local mood and can attract aboriginal wildlife , such as birds and butterfly stroke , to the garden .
To summarize , piffling bluestem grass grows in ball that typically reach a height of 1 to 2 ft . However , as the summer progresses , the stem stretch into inflorescence halt that can grow up to 5 feet tall . The grass has coarse stems and basal leave of absence , and its new shoot are plane and bluish in vividness . Little bluestem is dull to emerge in the spring but continues to grow throughout the summer until the first hoar . It is a visually appealing and low - maintenance grass that can heighten the mantrap of gardens and landscapes .
Caroline Bates
