Schizachyrium scoparium
Little bluestem
Along with big bluestem and indiangrass, little bluestem is a characteristic species of the tallgrass prairie. However, its range extends well beyond the Midwestern prairies and is found throughout the Piedmont and Eastern United States. Little bluestem is the larval host for several insects, including many skippers, a family of butterflies. The grass forms bunches whose subtle bluish hue can give Piedmont old fields a ocean-like feel in midsummer.