Creeping Bluestem: A Southeastern Native Worth Getting to Know
If you’re drawn to native grasses but want something a little different from the usual suspects, let me introduce you to creeping bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium var. stoloniferum). This lesser-known variety of the beloved little bluestem has a unique spreading habit that sets it apart from its more famous cousin.
What Makes Creeping Bluestem Special?
Creeping bluestem is a perennial grass native to the southeastern United States. As its common name suggests, this variety has a stoloniferous growth pattern, meaning it spreads via underground runners or above-ground stems. This spreading nature gives it potential as a ground cover in the right conditions – something most bluestems don’t offer.
You might also encounter this plant listed under its scientific synonyms: Andropogon stolonifer, Schizachyrium stoloniferum, or Schizachyrium stoloniferum var. wolfei. Don’t let the name variations confuse you – they’re all referring to the same plant!
Where Does It Call Home?
This southeastern native has a relatively limited natural range, growing in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Its distribution suggests it’s adapted to the warm, humid conditions of the southeastern coastal plain.
- Species observed
- No observations
Should You Plant Creeping Bluestem?
Here’s where things get interesting – and require some caution. Creeping bluestem has a Global Conservation Status of S3S4Q, which indicates its conservation status is somewhat uncertain. This suggests the plant may have limited populations or face some conservation concerns.
If you’re interested in growing this grass, please ensure you source it responsibly:
- Purchase only from reputable native plant nurseries
- Verify that plants are nursery-propagated, not wild-collected
- Consider supporting conservation efforts for southeastern native grasses
Garden Potential
While specific growing information for this variety is limited, its spreading habit suggests it could work well as:
- A naturalized ground cover in native plant gardens
- Part of coastal or southeastern prairie restorations
- An alternative to non-native spreading grasses
Given its southeastern distribution, creeping bluestem likely thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8-10, preferring the warm growing conditions of its native range.
The Bottom Line
Creeping bluestem represents an intriguing option for southeastern gardeners interested in native grasses with ground-covering potential. However, its uncertain conservation status means this isn’t a plant to impulse-buy. If you’re drawn to its unique characteristics, take the time to source it responsibly and consider it part of a broader commitment to supporting southeastern native plant communities.
For most gardeners, the more widely available little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) might be a better choice, offering similar aesthetic benefits with greater availability and clearer conservation status. But for those dedicated to exploring the full diversity of native southeastern grasses, creeping bluestem offers something genuinely different – just be sure to grow it thoughtfully.