Crimson Bluestem
Schizachyrium sanguineum

Family: Poaceae

Tufted upright perennial grass reaching about 4’ tall. Plants turn reddish in fall. The inflorescences appear June through October.

The genus is distinguished from the similar and related genus Andropogon by the solitary rames; Andropogon species usually have more than one rame per inflorescence. The Schizachyriums in the southwest are incredibly similar to each other and quite difficult to tell apart using simple field-friendly traits.

Part sun, best on irrigation.

As with most grass species, this species hosts many, many butterfly and moth larvae. This species is particularly attractive to Edwards's Skipperling (Oarisma edwardsii),

Schizachyrium is Greek word, meaning divided or cut chaff flower, while sanguineum means blood red. There are about 61 species found worldwide.

Found on rocky slopes to well drained soils from 4,000-5,500 ft. from Arizona to southwestern Texas and Florida; south into South America.

Photo by Liz Makings, SEINET
Schizachyrium sanguineum on iNaturalist