Schizachyrium scoparium 'Carousel' is a compact cultivar of little bluestem featuring finely textured blue green foliage that transitions to purple and copper tones in fall. Its sturdy upright form resists flopping and provides fantastic structural interest.
Height & Spread: 24 - 36 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Dry to medium, well drained soils; tolerates poor soils
Watering Needs: Low; very drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from Schizachyrium scoparium, a species native to much of North America, especially prairies and open woodlands.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Supports species such as Dusted Skipper, Cobweb Skipper, and Leonard’s Skipper through larval host support and nectar resources.
Birds
- Provides seeds for songbirds like finches and sparrows; also offers nesting and winter cover in its upright form.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 18 - 24 in apart for naturalistic clump spacing and air circulation.
Landscape Placement
- Best used in prairie gardens, dry slopes, native meadow plantings, or as vertical accent in mixed perennial beds. Excellent in wildlife gardens and restoration zones.
Companion Plants
- Echinacea pallida (Pale Purple Coneflower) - Echoes the open prairie look with soft color and wildlife value.
- Rudbeckia triloba (Brown Eyed Susan) - Offers prolific late summer blooms that blend with fall tones of the grass.
- Symphyotrichum laeve (Smooth Aster) - Brings soft lavender flowers and pollinator support to the fall display.
- Pycnanthemum tenuifolium (Narrowleaf Mountain Mint) - Attracts pollinators and contrasts well with the upright grass form.
- Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) - Adds vibrant orange blooms and supports Monarchs in sunny, dry soil conditions.