What’s the difference between big bluestem and little bluestem?
The common name, bluestem, comes from the bluish cast to the early spring growth. Even in early spring you can tell big blue from little blue by gently pulling the culms, or stems, apart at the plant’s base. Big blue will have fine hairs where the leaf joins the culm. 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).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 2′ to 4′ tall, native, perennial, warm season bunch grass. It is adapted to a wide variety of soils and soil moisture and can withstand some shading. It is perhaps best adapted to well-drained, dry, poor soils.
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). Planting & Care for Bluestem Native Ornamental Grasses It grows two or three feet tall on well-drained sand and loam, and excels in dry sandy and rocky soils. Not recommended for heavy clay or damp soils. Be sure to plant in full sun for best results.Blaze’ Little Bluestem grass is invaluable in xeriscapes and native wildflower plantings, plus it has great winter color!