It prefers moderately moist conditions but will withstand drier soils. In its native tallgrass prairie habitat, it receives summer rains and grows in sandy, gravelly and even wet soils. It is hardy to USDA zone 4. Use Indian grass in mass plantings, for naturalizing along highways, and on slopes for erosion control. It also provides a tall accent plant with fall and winter Garden interest.
Heavy snows can bend the seed stalks.
The outstanding features of this Great Plains grass are the fluffy, white seed plumes that rise well above the foliage, and the orange to russet-red fall color that often lasts well into winter. The foliage is medium textured and ranges from green to blue-green to blue. Clumps grow 2 to 3 feet tall. Little bluestem is a warm-season grass that requires drier conditions and is drought tolerant. Grow in full sun on a variety of soils except wet or mucky ones.