Shore Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium littorale
Hitchcock, A.S. (rev. A. Chase). 1950. Manual of the grasses of the United States. USDA Miscellaneous Publication No. 200. Washington, DC. 1950.
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Schizachyrium
- Species:
- Schizachyrium littorale
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 4-6 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- aug, sep, oct
- Bloom Colors:
- White, Green, Purple, Brown
Native Range
United States: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Stereomita andropogonis, ⚠️Cobweb Skipper (Hesperia metea), crossline skipper (Polites origenes), ⚠️Dakota Skipper (Hesperia dacotae), ⚠️Dotted Skipper (Atrytone arogos), Dusted Skipper (Atrytonopsis hianna), Indian Skipper (Hesperia sassacus), Leonard's skipper (Hesperia leonardus), 🛑Loammi skipper (Atrytonopsis loammi), Meske's Skipper (Hesperia meskei), Miriama's skipper (Hesperia miriamae), 🛑Ottoe Skipper (Hesperia ottoe), Swarthy Skipper (Nastra lherminier)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, nutrient-poor, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- commonly found in coastal dune habitats
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: None required
Source: npn.rngr.net