Schizachyrium scoparium

Perennial, ornamental, warm season grass

Grows actively in summer, flowers in late summer to fall

Full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight)

65-75°F (18-24°C)

Well-drained soil; tolerates sandy, loamy, and rocky soils

3–9 (USDA)

14-30 days, benefits from cold stratification

5.0-7.5

Once established, it is extremely drought resistant. For young plants light watering during summer will do

Needs no nitrogen application the first year, but in subsequent years will benefit from a high nitrogen fertilizer application in spring

Upright, clumping, fine-textured with blue-green summer foliage turning copper-orange in fall

The seeds are established easily after spring rains wash them into the soil. The plants also grow side shoots which can be divided from the parent and transplanted

2-4 feet (60-120 cm)

2-4 feet (60-120 cm)

Seed as a solid stand (8 inches or less row spacing)

Fluffy seed plumes in a range of colors from blue to silvery gold or white that appear in late summer and persist into winter

Birds (seeds in winter), pollinators, and other insects

Ornamental landscaping, erosion control, prairie restoration, meadow plantings, and wildlife habitat

Black-eyed Susan, Purple Coneflower, Switchgrass, Asters, Goldenrod

Cut back in early spring before new growth

Cut back in early spring before new growth

Rarely affected by pests but may attract grasshoppers in dry conditions

Generally disease-resistant but may experience occasional rust or fungal issues in overly wet conditions