The History of Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium, commonly known as little bluestem, is a native grass species that is found throughout much of North America, from Canada to Mexico. It is an important component of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, and it is also commonly used in landscaping and restoration projects.
The history of little bluestem goes back thousands of years. The grass is believed to have evolved in the midwestern United States during the Pleistocene epoch, which lasted from about 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago. During this time, the climate of the region was cooler and drier than it is today, and the grass adapted to these conditions by developing deep roots that could tap into the soil's moisture.
Native American tribes in the region, such as the Sioux, Cheyenne, and Pawnee, used little bluestem for a variety of purposes, including as a food source for their livestock, as a thatching material for their homes, and as a medicinal herb.
With the arrival of European settlers in the region, much of the tallgrass prairie was converted to agricultural land, and little bluestem was often seen as a weed or nuisance species. However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the ecological and aesthetic value of native grasses like little bluestem, and efforts are underway to restore and protect these important grassland ecosystems.
Today, little bluestem is widely used in landscaping and restoration projects, and it is recognized as an important plant for wildlife habitat, erosion control, and soil health. Its historical and ecological significance makes it an important part of the natural and cultural heritage of North America.
“Little bluestem serves as a larval host for 9 skipper species including the common wood nymph (Cercyonis pegala), Dakota skipper (Hesperia dacotae), Leonard’s skipper (Hesparia leonardus), and others. In addition to these benefits to butterflies, native bunch grasses provide overwintering habitat for a variety of other insects and wildlife as well. Female bumble bee queens nest at the base of bunch grasses where they will be protected until they emerge in the spring.”