// SPECIES PROFILE · GRASS · NATIVE

Little bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium var. divergens

Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium var. divergens) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 3a–11b. Mature size 34"–7'. Blooms Jun–Dec.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: grass
Native range: Native to 48 U.S. states, including AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT…
USDA hardiness: Zones 3a–11b
Mature size: 34"–7'
Sun: Part shade
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: Jun–Dec
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium var. divergens) — *Schizachyrium scoparium var. divergens* — Little bluestem. Photo via iNaturalist — no rights reserved.

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium var. divergens) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 3a–11b. Mature size 34"–7'. Blooms Jun–Dec. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, little bluestem pairs naturally with: Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), Broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia), Tapered rosette grass (Dichanthelium acuminatum), Tapered rosette grass (Dichanthelium acuminatum var. acuminatum).