Schizachyrium microstachyum

Schizachyrium microstachyum

Native to:
Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Leeward Is., Mexico, Nicaragua, Panamá, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Windward Is.

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Schizachyrium
Species:
Schizachyrium microstachyum
USDA Symbol:
SCMI13

Growth Characteristics

Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
120 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
aug,sep,oct,nov

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★☆☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fall Color:
bronze, copper
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts vigorously from base after fire; benefits from periodic burning to reduce competition and thatch.

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:
Light may enhance germination. Best results with fresh seed.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI