Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) 'Blaze' is an exciting cultivar of Little Bluestem originally bred by agronomists as a pasture grass. It is now a beloved ornamental plant due to its brilliant red fall foliage that softens to deep pink in the winter. This plant looks excellent planted among flowering perennials in beds and borders of all styles, in prairie style plantings, or even larger containers. 'Blaze' is a highly recommended cultivar for Cache Valley gardens due to its higher tolerance of clay soil than the straight species and other cultivars. Little Bluestem is moderately tolerant or urban sites and pollution.
Little Bluestem 'Blaze'
Native to Cache County: No
Irrigation Requirement: Low (1/2" every 10-14 days) (preferred), but could be planted in a Very Low (Water to Establish) zone if given a few deep waterings in dry summers.
Mature Size: 2 - 3' tall and 18" wide
Spacing: 18 - 24" apart
Season: Warm-season grass
Hardiness Zone: 4 - 9
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Deer Resistant: Yes
Salt Tolerant: Moderately
Soils: Adaptable to sandy, loamy, or clay soils as long as they are well-drained
Little Bluestem is one of the best native grasses for roosting and habitat, according to the USDA. It provides habitat for beneficial insects, birds, and small mammals all year. It's seed also provide a winter food source for some bird species.