Categories: Poaceae

Prairie beard grass (Schizachyrium scoparium, J.K.Small, Fl. S.E. U.S.: 59 (1903))

Family: Poaceae

Author: (Michx.) Nash

Bibliography: J.K.Small, Fl. S.E. U.S.: 59 (1903)

Year: 1903

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Schizachyrium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Canada to Mexico

Description

Prairie beard grass, scientifically known as Schizachyrium scoparium, is a perennial warm-season grass that is native to a vast range extending from Canada to Mexico. This grass is celebrated for its rich historical significance and its vital role in the ecosystems of North America’s prairies and grasslands.

First formally described in detail by botanist J.K. Small in the flora compendium “Flora of the Southeastern United States” in 1903, Prairie beard grass belongs to the Poaceae family—the large and nearly ubiquitous grass family that contains many of the world’s essential cereal crops and pasture grasses.

The species name “scoparium” refers to its broom-like appearance, which is particularly evident in the dense clumps that this grass forms. Standing tall with slender, often blue-green foliage that turns striking shades of red, orange, or bronze in the autumn, it is not only ecologically important but visually pleasing, making it a popular choice for ornamental planting in gardens and landscaping projects.

Ecologically, Schizachyrium scoparium is a keystone species in the prairie ecosystems. It boasts a robust root system that helps prevent soil erosion, thus maintaining soil health and stability. Its presence supports a diverse array of fauna, including various insects, birds, and mammals that depend on it for food and habitat.

Prairie beard grass is notable for its adaptability to different soil types and its tolerance to drought conditions, which enables it to thrive in an array of environments from open plains to wooded areas. The grass’s resilience and its ability to regenerate after disturbances such as fire make it a crucial component in prairie restoration projects.

Beyond its ecological contributions, Prairie beard grass has also played a role in human history. Indigenous peoples and early settlers historically utilized this grass for thatching roofs and other utilitarian purposes owing to its fibrous and durable nature.

Given its wide range spreading from Canada to Mexico, Schizachyrium scoparium represents a critical element of North American biodiversity. Its persistence and adaptability illustrate the remarkable balance of form and function that characterize the Poaceae family, making Prairie beard grass a subject of interest not only for botanists and ecologists but also for anyone invested in the conservation and understanding of native plant species.

Common Names

Eng: little bluestem, prairie beard grass, broom beardgrass, broom bluestem, small bluestem
Swe: präriegräs
Fra: barbon à balais, schizachyrium à balais
En: Prairie beard grass, Little bluestem, Broom beardgrass, Broom bluestem, Small bluestem
Fr: Barbon à balais, Schizachyrium à balais
Sv: Präriegräs

Synonyms

Andropogon scoparius var. multirameus (Hack. ex Gatt.)
Andropogon scoparius var. glaucescens (House)
Andropogon neomexicanus (Nash)
Schizachyrium scoparium subsp. divergens ((Hack.) Gandhi & Smeins)
Andropogon scoparius subsp. euscoparius (Hack. ex Beal)
Schizachyrium scoparium subsp. neomexicanum ((Nash) Gandhi & Smeins)
Schizachyrium scoparium f. virile ((Shinners) Gandhi & Smeins)
Andropogon preamaturus (Fernald)
Andropogon scoparius var. frequens (F.T.Hubb.)
Schizachyrium neomexicanum ((Nash) Nash)
Andropogon scoparius (Michx.)
Andropogon purpurascens (Muhl. ex Willd.)
Schizachyrium scoparium f. calvescens ((Fernald) C.F.Reed)
Andropogon scoparius f. calvescens (Fernald)
Andropogon maderensis (Swallen)
Schizachyrium praematurum ((Fernald) C.F.Reed)
Schizachyrium praematurum f. hirtivaginatum ((Fernald) C.F.Reed)
Schizachyrium acuminatum (Nash)
Andropogon scoparius subvar. flexilis ((Poir.) Hack.)
Andropogon halei (Alph.Wood)
Andropogon scoparius var. divergens (Hack.)
Andropogon scoparius var. maritimus (Hack. ex L.H.Dewey)
Andropogon scoparius subsp. genuinus (Hack.)
Andropogon scoparius var. neomexicanus ((Nash) Hitchc.)
Sorghum scoparium ((Michx.) Kuntze)
Schizachyrium scoparium var. polycladum ((Scribn. & C.R.Ball) C.F.Reed)
Schizachyrium scoparium subvar. flexile ((Poir.) Roberty)
Schizachyrium scoparium var. frequens ((F.T.Hubb.) Gould)
Andropogon praematurus (Fernald)
Schizachyrium scoparium var. divergens ((Hack.) Gould)
Schizachyrium scoparium var. neomexicanum ((Nash) Hitchc.)
Andropogon scoparius var. septentrionalis (Fernald & Griscom)
Andropogon scoparius var. polycladus (Scribn. & C.R.Ball)
Andropogon praematurus f. hirtivaginatus (Fernald)
Andropogon scoparius var. virilis (Shinners)
Schizachyrium scoparium f. villosissimum ((Kearney) C.F.Reed)
Schizachyrium villosissimum ((Kearney) Nash)
Andropogon scoparius var. villosissimus (Kearney)
Andropogon flexilis (Poir.)
Andropogon divergens ((Hack.) Andersson ex Hitchc.)
Andropogon scoparius subvar. serpentinus (Hack.)
Andropogon scoparius subvar. caesius (Hack.)
Pollinia scoparia ((Michx.) Spreng.)
Andropogon scoparius subvar. simplicior (Hack.)
Andropogon scoparius var. genuinus (Fernald & Griscom)
Schizachyrium scoparium var. virile ((Shinners) Gould)

Distribution

Alabama (native)
Alberta (native)
Arkansas (native)
British Columbia (native)
California (native)
Colorado (native)
Connecticut (native)
Delaware (native)
District of Columbia (native)
Florida (native)
Georgia (native)
Idaho (native)
Illinois (native)
Indiana (native)
Iowa (native)
Kansas (native)
Kentucky (native)
Louisiana (native)
Manitoba (native)
Maryland (native)
Masachusettes (native)
Mexico Central (native)
Mexico Gulf (native)
Mexico Northeast (native)
Mexico Southeast (native)
Michigan (native)
Minnesota (native)
Mississippi (native)
Missouri (native)
Montana (native)
Nebraska (native)
New Brunswick (native)
New Hampshire (native)
New Jersey (native)
New Mexico (native)
New York (native)
North Carolina (native)
North Dakota (native)
Nova Scotia (native)
Ohio (native)
Oklahoma (native)
Ontario (native)
Pennsylvania (native)
Québec (native)
Rhode I. (native)
Saskatchewan (native)
South Carolina (native)
South Dakota (native)
Tennessee (native)
Texas (native)
Utah (native)
Vermont (native)
Virginia (native)
Washington (native)
West Virginia (native)
Wisconsin (native)
Wyoming (native)
Chile Central (introduced)
Hawaii (introduced)
Pakistan (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Aug 17, 2019 by Bob Arnold (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2022 by jasmine oakley (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2022 by RIVER STONE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 1, 2021 by Phillip Hammond (cc-by-sa)