Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

= Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) =
Little Bluestem is always in demand in the Native plant community. it's a favourite in part because of it's lovely, blue-green colour, but also because of it's low height. It's often a warm-season grass suggested to beginners. Indeed, it's a Perennial Ornamental Prairie grass native to North America, that is easy to find space for in your garden. Schizachyrium scoparium also has visual interest for three seasons, going from it's Blue-Green look to a lovely red with stunning white seed tufts in fall and the mahogany colouring lasting through winter! It's native in almost every province in Canada, with a few exceptions.
== Sowing and Reproduction ==
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) will self-seed and sow without any help from you. It doesn't required any gender or special knowledge in this regard.
Method
For growing from seed, it is recommended to sow it by sprinkling and cover with a little soil on top. GrowItBuildIt
Cold Stratification
Little Bluestem doesn't require any cold stratification, but germination rates can benefit from some time of dry storage, versus sowing fresh after collection. Wild Plants From Seed
== Harvesting ==
When the ripe spikelets are ready, they will easily detach from the stems. You can harvest whole stems or pull upwards to detach the seeds into your hand and then into a container. It should be ripe in October.
== Storage ==
Allow collected seeds to dry for a couple of weeks. Rub lightly to detach the fertile spikelets. Do not attempt to remove the innermost bracts that adhere closely to the seeds. Winnow and/or sieve to remove extraneous plant material. Store seeds in a paper envelope.
== Toxicity ==
Strength: Non-toxic.
Non-Toxic to:
* Humans: Non-toxic.
* Other: Dogs, cats: Non-toxic.