Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a warm-season, perennial native grass valued for its wildlife habitat, erosion control, and drought resistance. It thrives in prairies, pastures, and conservation plantings, offering excellent forage for wildlife and nesting cover for birds. Its attractive blue-green summer color turns bronze-red in fall, providing year-round aesthetic and habitat benefits.

Benefits for Wildlife Habitat

✔ Provides nesting and cover for quail, pheasants, and songbirds.
✔ Supports pollinators and serves as a host plant for butterfly larvae.
✔ High nutritional value for grazing wildlife and livestock.
✔ Deep-rooted structure helps prevent soil erosion and improves soil health.

Planting Guidelines for Little Bluestem

• Planting Times:

  • Spring (April–June) – Best time for optimal establishment.
  • Fall (November–February, frost seeding in dormant season) – Can be used in colder climates.

• Seeding Depth:

  • ¼ to ½ inch deep – Shallow planting ensures proper germination.

• Seeding Rates:

  • Drilled: 6–8 lbs per acre in prepared seedbeds.
  • Broadcast: 8–10 lbs per acre, followed by cultipacking for soil contact.

• Days to Maturity:

  • 60–90 days for initial establishment, full stand within 2 years.

• Height at Maturity:

  • Typically reaches 2–4 feet tall, with erect, clump-forming growth.

• Drought Tolerance:

  • High – Thrives in dry, well-drained soils with minimal water needs.

• Saturated Soil Tolerance:

  • Low – Does not tolerate standing water or prolonged wet conditions.

• Shade Tolerance:

  • Low to Moderate – Prefers full sun but can tolerate some light shade.

Fertilization Guidelines for Little Bluestem

• Soil pH: Prefers a range of 5.5–7.5 for best growth.
• Nitrogen (N):
  • Minimal nitrogen required – Excess nitrogen can cause lodging and reduce stand longevity.
  • If needed, apply 20–40 lbs per acre to encourage establishment.
• Phosphorus (P) & Potassium (K):
  • Apply 40–60 lbs P₂O₅ and 30–50 lbs K₂O per acre based on soil test recommendations.
• Organic Matter: Grows well in low to moderate fertility soils without additional amendments.

Fertilization Timing:

• Apply phosphorus and potassium at planting based on soil tests.
• Avoid excess nitrogen to maintain stand strength and wildlife value.

Herbicide Use for Little Bluestem

• Weed Management:

  • Weed control is essential in the first 1–2 years to allow little bluestem to establish.

• Pre-emergence Herbicides:

  • Atrazine (where legally allowed) – Controls broadleaf weeds and some grasses.
  • Plateau (Imazapic) – Effective for weed control without harming little bluestem.

• Post-emergence Herbicides:

  • Clethodim (Select Max) – Controls unwanted cool-season grasses.
  • 2,4-D (low rates, early application) – Controls broadleaf weeds but may suppress growth.

Key Considerations:

• Mowing helps reduce weed competition during establishment.
• Controlled burns every 3–5 years promote stand vigor and reduce weed pressure.