Schizachyrium littorale (Coastal Little Bluestem)

A genuine dune specialist confirmed tolerant of both salt spray and fire, coastal little bluestem is purpose-built for the harshest, most exposed coastal sites where infertile, free-draining sandy soils defeat most other plants - making it a natural fit for dune stabilization work.

Species Overview

Schizachyrium littorale, commonly called coastal or shore little bluestem, is a short, clumping warm-season grass native to coastal dunes and maritime grasslands of the Gulf, Atlantic coast, and Great Lakes shores, typically growing about 2 feet tall. Closely related to little bluestem but shorter and bushier, with a somewhat prostrate habit from stems that grow bent or curved at the base.

Application

• Dune stabilization and coastal restoration - purpose-built for salt spray exposure
• Fire-adapted plantings on maritime grasslands
• Low-maintenance high-exposure urban and coastal landscaping
• Naturalized meadow plantings on infertile, sandy soils

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Sandy, well-drained, infertile soils; dry conditions preferred
• Drought Tolerance: High
• Flood Tolerance: Low - A coastal dune grass adapted to well-drained sand; despite the genus-name similarity to wetland Schoenoplectus bulrushes, this is a different genus (Schizachyrium) entirely and is not wetland-associated.
• Plant Type: Graminoid
• Mature Height: 1-2 ft.
• Fall Color: Yellow, Orange, Red
• Wetland Indicator Status: NI (No Indicator) - see flags
• Native Range: Northeast/Mid-Atlantic (full list)
• Pollinator Value: None significant - wind-pollinated dune grass, no meaningful nectar or pollen resource.
• Hydrology: Dry-Mesic
• Root Depth: Deep (24-36 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Moderate
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Deer Resistance: Yes (Rarely Damaged)
• Shade Tolerance: Intolerant
• Growth Habit: Clumping/Mounding
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9

Planting Guidance

• Fire adapted and tolerant of salt spray; does not like rich, consistently moist soils. Distinguished from inland little bluestem by bent stems at the base rather than an erect habit.