Standing Ovation or Schizachyrium scoparium 'Standing Ovation' is a little bluestem grass that has an upright habit of spiky, bluish-green stems delivers an encore performance in autumn when its foliage transitions to a brilliant, fiery display of orange, red, and yellow hues. Native to the U.S., Schizachyrium is a beautiful vertical accent in perennial borders. Standing Ovation will self-seed, though not prolifically. The seed heads are an excellent food source for birds. An ideal ornamental grass for stabilizing slopes prone to erosion.
Little bluestem serves as a larval host for 9 skipper species including the common wood nymph (Cercyonis pegala), Dakota skipper (Hesperia dacotae), Leonard’s skipper (Hesparia leonardus), and others. In addition to these benefits to butterflies, native bunch grasses provide overwintering habitat for a variety of other insects and wildlife as well. Female bumble bee queens nest at the base of bunch grasses where they will be protected until they emerge in the spring.
Care
Plant in well-draining soil with full sun. Drought-tolerant once established. Regular watering during dry periods. Prune in late winter or early spring. Pest and disease resistant. Thrives in USDA Zones 3 to 8. Perennial.
Growth Habit
Reaches 3-4' H & 12-18" W at maturity.
Native
Native to North America, Little Bluestem is the host to many insects, including Northern Pearly-eye, Common-Wood Nymph, Ottoe Skipper, Cobweb Skipper, Dusted Skipper, Delaware Skipper, Arogos Skipper, and Indian Skipper. This well-known prairie staple plays an extremely important role in native prairie ecosystems and provides habitat for many insects, small mammals, and birds.
Toxicity
Not considered toxic to humans or pets. Deer resistant.
