Schizachyrium littorale, also known as Coastal Little Bluestem, is a clump forming native warm season grass that thrives in sandy well drained soils along coastal dunes and pinelands. It displays fine textured blue green blades that develop orange to purple tones in autumn providing year round interest. Unlike many grasses, it tolerates salt spray and drought, making it ideal for tough shoreline conditions and restoration projects. Height & Spread: 24 - 36 in x 18 - 24 in Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall Light Requirements: Full sun Soil Preference: Sandy, dry to medium well drained soils Watering Needs: Low; highly drought tolerant once established Deer Resistance: Typically unbothered due to tough foliage texture Native Status This species is native to the southeastern United States, particularly coastal areas from North Carolina to Florida and the Gulf Coast. It plays an important role in stabilizing dune systems and supporting native biodiversity. WILDLIFE & INSECTS Bees Supports specialist native bees that utilize warm season grasses as nesting sites and forage boundaries. Butterflies Larval host plant for some skipper species and provides shelter for butterfly pupae during fall and winter. Moths Important larval host for several noctuid moths including species of Spodoptera and Acronicta. Birds Provides late season cover and nesting materials; seeds feed sparrows, finches, and juncos through winter. Beneficial Insects Attracts ground beetles and parasitoid wasps that overwinter at the base of grass clumps. Spacing & Landscape Use Spacing Recommendations: Plant 18 - 24 in apart to allow for mature clump expansion and airflow between foliage. Landscape Placement: Ideal for naturalistic coastal gardens, sandy meadows, or used in restoration plantings to prevent erosion and support pollinators. Companion Plants Helianthus angustifolius (Swamp Sunflower) - Tall yellow blooms rise above grass clumps in fall echoing the seasonal color change of Schizachyrium. Gaillardia pulchella (Blanket Flower) - Vibrant blooms thrive in dry sun and complement the bluish tones of the grass foliage. Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan) - Gold daisies offer summer color and seed heads for wildlife in sandy soil conditions. Oenothera fruticosa (Sundrops) - Low mounds of golden flowers enhance the sandy setting and attract early pollinators. Coreopsis lanceolata - Sunny yellow flowers tolerate poor soils and provide a cheerful summer pairing with grass texture.
