Schizachyrium 'Little Red Fox'
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Little Red Fox' is a compact selection of Little Bluestem prized for its upright blue green foliage that develops vibrant shades of burgundy, crimson, and red as the season progresses. Airy silver seed heads emerge in late summer and persist into winter adding texture, movement, and lasting seasonal interest to sunny landscapes.
Height & Spread: 24 - 30 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Dry to average well drained soil; tolerates sandy and rocky conditions
Watering Needs: Low; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
Schizachyrium scoparium is native throughout much of North America where it is an important component of prairies, meadows, and open grasslands. 'Little Red Fox' is a cultivated selection chosen for its compact size and exceptional fall color while retaining the ecological benefits of the species.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- Provides seeds for songbirds during fall and winter while the upright clumps offer valuable shelter throughout the colder months.
Butterflies
- Serves as a host plant for several skipper butterflies while adding habitat value to native gardens.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to create attractive drifts or allow individual clumps to develop their naturally upright form.
Landscape Placement
- Excellent for native gardens, prairie plantings, sunny borders, and erosion prone slopes where its colorful foliage and persistent seed heads provide interest across multiple seasons.
Companion Plants
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - Provides bold summer blooms that pair beautifully with the grass as its foliage develops rich autumn color.
- Liatris spicata (Blazing Star) - Adds vertical purple flower spikes while attracting a wide variety of pollinators.
- Pycnanthemum muticum (Mountain Mint) - Offers bright silvery foliage and exceptional pollinator value alongside the fine textured grass.
- Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' (Black Eyed Susan) - Creates striking late season contrast with brilliant golden flowers against deep red foliage.
- Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks' (Goldenrod) - Extends seasonal color and supports pollinators well into fall.