Little Bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium

Family: PoaceaeOrigin: Eastern North AmericaZones: 3a-9b

Native ornamental grass
Deer resistant
Drought tolerant

Pet & Human Safety

People: Hazard to peoplePets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

No source found

Preparation

not applicable: this plant is not a food crop

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Genuinely not listed by either source checked. Not assumed safe or unsafe. Ordinary ornamental grasses are generally considered low-risk, but that general impression is not a substitute for a direct source.

Patent / trademark

Several named cultivars exist (e.g. 'Standing Ovation') and some may be patented, but this was not checked

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: 3a-9b.
Water needs: tolerates occasionally dry or moist conditions; excellent drought resistance once established
Mature size: 2-4 ft tall, 1.5-3 ft wide; clumping, erect herbaceous perennial, medium growth rate.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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