Shore Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium littorale
- Native to:
- United States
Photo by David J. Stang
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Schizachyrium
- Species:
- Schizachyrium littorale
- USDA Symbol:
- SCLI11
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- sep,oct,nov
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
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)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- bronze, copper
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from the base following fire; fire removes thatch and stimulates new growth typical of coastal prairie grasses.
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
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Light may improve germination. Seeds can be surface sown.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: None required
Source: npn.rngr.net