Or, beard grass
- Ojibwe: mashkosiw (“grass”)
- Latin: Schizachyrium scoparium
Human uses
Food
Young shoots are edible to grazing animals in early summer, and the seeds are eaten by birds such as sparrows, finches, and grouse.
Ecology
This grass has deep roots that help prevent erosion. It provides cover and nesting habitat for small animals and birds, and the seeds feed wildlife. Also, it’s a host plant for several butterflies and other insects.
Medicine
Natives of the Great Plains use ashes from burned stems to help treat sores.
Culture
Little bluestem is used by some Indigenous peoples as material in sweat lodges. It is also the state grass of Kansas and Nebraska.
*Note: Information on medicinal or consumption usage is for historical/traditional purposes, and is not recommended without proper knowledge or training.