Description
Schizachyrium –
There are 100 deciduous, perennial grasses, in the Poaceae family, in this genus. They are found naturally occurring in grasslands worldwide. They are related to Andropogon, they differ by having solitary, terminal, obliquely branched racemes of stalked spikelets. The foliage turns bronze or chestnut in fall. Suitable for a herbaceous or mixed border. The flower heads may be dried.
Grow in moderately fertile, sharply drained soil in full sun. Cut down old stems in early winter. Divide in spring.
S. scoparium – Andropogon scoparius – Prairie Grass – Little Bluestem – Broom Beard Grass – This densely tufted, tough perennial grass, from North America grows to 3′ feet tall and 12″ wide. Spreading slowly to form clumps of upright stems with linear, mid green to blue-green leaves, to 18″ long, that turn purple to orange-red in autumn. From late summer to mid autumn, bears narrow racemes, to 6″ long, of wispy long awned spikelets.
Zones 2-7
