Contents
Description
Panicum Scoparium, also known as Little bluestem, is a warm-season perennial grass that is native to North America. The plant belongs to the Poaceae family and is commonly found in prairies, meadows, and pastures. Panicum Scoparium is a popular ornamental grass due to its attractive blue-green foliage that turns reddish-brown in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Cyperales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Panicum |
Appearance
Panicum Scoparium grows up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. The plant has a dense, upright habit and features slender, blue-green leaves that grow up to 10 inches long and 0.25 inches wide. The foliage turns reddish-brown in the fall, providing a beautiful contrast to the plant’s silvery seed heads that rise above the foliage on thin stems. The seed heads are fluffy and resemble feathers, giving the plant a delicate and graceful appearance.
Care Guide
Water: Panicum Scoparium prefers moderate watering and is drought-tolerant once established. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the fall.Fertilization: Panicum Scoparium does not require frequent fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth.Soil: Panicum Scoparium prefers well-draining soil and tolerates a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clay. The plant is adaptable to acidic or alkaline soil pH levels.Sunlight: Panicum Scoparium requires full sun exposure to thrive. Plant the grass in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: Panicum Scoparium grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Panicum Scoparium is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, the plant may be susceptible to rust, leaf spot, and stem rot. To prevent these issues, avoid overhead watering and provide adequate air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Panicum Scoparium is native to North America and is commonly found in prairies, meadows, and pastures. The plant is well-adapted to hot and dry environments and is an important component of grassland ecosystems.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Panicum Scoparium a good choice for landscaping?A: Yes, Panicum Scoparium is a popular ornamental grass due to its attractive foliage and graceful appearance.Q: Can Panicum Scoparium tolerate drought?A: Yes, Panicum Scoparium is drought-tolerant once established.Q: Does Panicum Scoparium require frequent fertilization?A: No, Panicum Scoparium does not require frequent fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth.Q: What are the hardiness zones for Panicum Scoparium?A: Panicum Scoparium grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9.
Related Plants
– Panicum Virgatum- Schizachyrium scoparium- Andropogon gerardii- Bouteloua curtipendula
References
– “Little Bluestem.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a534- “Little Bluestem.” Plant Care Today. https://plantcaretoday.com/little-bluestem-panicum-scoparium.html- “Panicum Scoparium.” North Carolina State University. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/panicum-scoparium/
