Is Little Bluestem a short grass?
Little bluestem is an upright grass that grows from 2 to 4 feet tall. It is a clumping grass. Big bluestem has developed a very efficient spreading root system which may reach depths of 5-8 feet (150-200 cm) or more in the northern latitudes, and 6-8 feet (180-240 cm) in the southern part of its natural range. Although short rhizomes may be present, it usually makes a bunch type growth.Little bluestem grows best in full sun. The plant will be taller (and therefore more prone to flopping late in the season) on fertile soils and shorter on dry, infertile sites. Do not fertilize heavily and avoid fertilizing on richer soils. Although it is not recommended for heavy clay, it will grow on clay soils.Little bluestem is a handsome complement to other perennials with grass-like foliage, in fact you could create a feathery foliage pollinator garden with plantings of bluestem mixed with other wildflowers such as meadow blazingstar (Litaris ligulystylis), narrowleaf milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis), threadleaf .
What soil is best for little bluestem?
Little bluestem is adapted to soils ranging from sandy to clay-loam in texture. It begins growth in late spring after cool-season species have already developed (Uchytil, 1989). For optimum germination and growth, freshly collected seed of little bluestem requires a cold, moist stratification before it will germinate at high temperatures.
What are the benefits of little bluestem?
Ecosystem benefits: Little bluestem is a valuable forage species for livestock (Leithead et al. Tober and Jensen 2013). Landscape Use Little bluestem makes an excellent accent in the border and is ideal for use in drifts in natural settings, prairies, or wild areas that blend into woods, pasture or other natural areas at the edge of the home landscape.