Little Bluestem Grass, Smoke Signal

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal'

Height: 3-4ft
Spread: 1-2ft
Zone: 3-8
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Time/Color: September-October; brown
Uses: Naturalizing, massing, prairies
Maintenance: Low
Other: Fall color, deer resistant

'Smoke Signal' little bluestem has beautiful blue-colored blades throughout the growing season before changing to a scarlet-burgundy color as the weather gets cooler in autumn. Tall, slender seed plumes tower over the mounded grass by late summer and, if left on, provide winter interest in the landscape. This native prairie grass is also extremely site adaptable, making it a perfect choice for soils that are prone to drought, poor drainage, alkalinity, and soils around black walnuts. It is also resistant to heat, humidity, and deer. Named the Perennial Plant of the Year for 2022.

Schizachyrium scoparium is an Iowa native.