Shore Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium litorale)
skiz-ah-KEER-ee-um litorale
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Deciduous Perennial
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Buy Shore Little Bluestem |
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Discover the enchanting Shore little bluestem, a native grass that transforms into a stunning "frosty fairyland" each season. A vital host for butterflies, it adds beauty and biodiversity to any landscape! |
Shore little bluestem is a perennial, native, warm-season bunch grass that is typically of shorter stature. Its chalky blue-green stems and leaves may display tinges of purple after the first frost, and as the plant approaches dormancy. The bluish-green leaves turn an attractive rusty orange as the season progresses, culminating in an enchanting appearance often described as a “frosty fairyland” when the silver, fluffy seed matures.The flowering period begins in August, with mature seed developing by October. This grass serves as a host plant for a variety of butterfly species, including the cobweb skipper, common wood nymph, crossline skipper, Dakota skipper, dusted skipper, Leonard’s skipper, ottoe skipper, and the swarthy skipper, as well as the larvae of the rare crystal skipper butterfly. The bluish-green leaves turn an attractive rusty orange as the season progresses, culminating in an enchanting appearance often described as a “frosty fairyland” when the silver, fluffy seed matures.
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Pros
Illinois Native
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Plant Data |
Mature Size |
12 - 24 inches
tall. 12 - 24 inches
wide.
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Sun Exposure |
Full Sun - Partial Sun |
Moisture Tolerance |
Dry - |
Zones |
3a - 10b
(Usually hardy to -40° F)
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Tags |
Attracts Birds, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Wildlife, Blue Foliage, Container, Deciduous, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Dry, Edging, Erosion Control, Fall interest, Filler, Full Sun, Good for Beginners, Good for Borders, Good for Butterfly Garden, Good for Cottage Garden, Good for Rock Garden, Groundcover, Illinois Native, Low Maintenance, Mounded, Naturalizing, Partial Sun, Perennial, Prairie Garden, Showy Flowers, Well-Drained Soil
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Bloom Period |
August to Frost
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Flower Color |
Silver
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