Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
Little Bluestem is an excellent plant for wildlife. It is the host plant for 7 species of skippers and moths in our area (nwf.org), including the Dusted Skipper (mnfi.anr.msu.edu/), Cobweb Skipper (mnfi.anr.msu.edu/), both species of concern and endangered Ottoe Skipper (mnfi.anr.msu.edu/). Skippers look like a cross between a small moth and a small butterfly. This grass is a bird favorite and is eaten by the Field Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Slate-Colored Junco, and other small songbirds, particularly during the winter (Illinoiswildflower.info) (audubon.org). In addition, it provides necessary overwintering habitat and resources for many insects and birds. The grass gets fluffy white seed heads that also add seasonal interest. Some gardeners choose to remove the seed fluff to control the spread of young seedlings.
Little Bluestem is an excellent plant for wildlife. It is the host plant for 7 species of skippers and moths in our area (nwf.org), including the Dusted Skipper (mnfi.anr.msu.edu/), Cobweb Skipper (mnfi.anr.msu.edu/), both species of concern and endangered Ottoe Skipper (mnfi.anr.msu.edu/). Skippers look like a cross between a small moth and a small butterfly. This grass is a bird favorite and is eaten by the Field Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Slate-Colored Junco, and other small songbirds, particularly during the winter (Illinoiswildflower.info) (audubon.org). In addition, it provides necessary overwintering habitat and resources for many insects and birds. The grass gets fluffy white seed heads that also add seasonal interest. Some gardeners choose to remove the seed fluff to control the spread of young seedlings.
Little Bluestem is an excellent plant for wildlife. It is the host plant for 7 species of skippers and moths in our area (nwf.org), including the Dusted Skipper (mnfi.anr.msu.edu/), Cobweb Skipper (mnfi.anr.msu.edu/), both species of concern and endangered Ottoe Skipper (mnfi.anr.msu.edu/). Skippers look like a cross between a small moth and a small butterfly. This grass is a bird favorite and is eaten by the Field Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Slate-Colored Junco, and other small songbirds, particularly during the winter (Illinoiswildflower.info) (audubon.org). In addition, it provides necessary overwintering habitat and resources for many insects and birds. The grass gets fluffy white seed heads that also add seasonal interest. Some gardeners choose to remove the seed fluff to control the spread of young seedlings.
Life Cycle: Perennial
Sun Exposure: Full-Partial
Soil Moisture: Medium, Medium-dry, Dry
Height: 3 feet
Plant Spacing: 2-3 feet
Bloom Time: July-October
Bloom Color: Green, blue
Advantages: Bird Favorite, Deer Resistant, Great Landscaping plant,
Host Plant: 7 species of butterflies and moths use this as a caterpillar host plant in our area (nwf.org)
Beneficial Endangered or Threatened Species: Dusted Skipper (Atrytonopsis hianna) (mnfi.anr.msu.edu/), Cobweb Skipper (Hesperia metea) (mnfi.anr.msu.edu/), Ottoe Skipper (Hesperia ottoe) (mnfi.anr.msu.edu/)
