With fine, upright blades that shimmer blue-green in summer and turn blazing shades of red, orange, and purple in fall, Little Bluestem is a four-season star. It grows 2–4 feet tall and brings texture, color, and movement to any sunny garden.

Thrives in full sun and dry to medium soils—drought-tolerant and easygoing, even in poor or sandy sites. Cut back in late winter to encourage tidy new growth.

Thrives in full sun and dry to medium soils—drought-tolerant and easygoing, even in poor or sandy sites.

Native to much of North America, common in prairies, open woods, rocky slopes, and roadsides.

Emerges blue-green in spring, blooms in late summer with silvery seed heads, and transitions to vivid fall colors that persist into winter. Upright stems provide winter interest and shelter.

Host plant for skipper butterflies and many native insects. Seeds feed birds, and dense clumps offer habitat and nesting material for wildlife.