Little Bluestem plant profile
Schizachyrium scoparium
A perennial grass for full sun.
Last updated .
When to plant
When to plant Little Bluestem
Little bluestem is a warm-season perennial bunchgrass established from seed or nursery plugs in spring. NC State notes you cut it back to the ground in late winter or early spring to promote fresh growth, so set out new plants as that spring growth begins.
The calendar shows this cited seasonal window as an approximate band. It does not convert the season into frost-adjusted dates.
Open Little Bluestem in my garden calendarShows the source-backed planting season, not frost-adjusted dates.
Growing conditions
- Sun
- Full sun
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Spacing
- 12 to 36 in apart
- Hardiness
- Zones 3a to 9bFind my hardiness zone
Next steps
Continue with Little Bluestem
Evidence trail
Evidence behind this profile
Original extension and institutional publications behind the planting, care, and safety facts on this page.
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)
North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (NC State Extension). Supports general reference. Checked 2026-06-18.