Schizachyrium microstachyum
Schizachyrium microstachyum
- Native to:
- Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guam, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Leeward Is., Mexico, Nicaragua, Panamá, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, Windward Is.
iNaturalist: © juanrita (iNaturalist #332095158)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Schizachyrium
- Species:
- Schizachyrium microstachyum
- USDA Symbol:
- SCMI13
Growth Characteristics
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies
- Fall Color:
- red, orange
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Schizachyrium microstachyum is adapted to fire-prone habitats and resprouts after fire.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to open, dry grasslands and savannas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold moist stratification for 30-60 days to improve germination.