A Treasure Along the Roadside

Daily I find myself grateful for so many things about life in the Wimberley Valley. We are a Dark Sky community, we are careful in preserving water for our aquifers, and we don’t mow all our roadsides.

I’m sure you can name more practices in our community that help Keep Wimberley Beautiful. Though the roadside wildflowers have faded there are still treasures to discover as you drive around our community.

Lately I’ve kept one eye on the road, as I notice the beautiful display of little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium).

Along with Indiangrass, switchgrass and big blue stem, little bluestem is one of the “big four” prairie grasses. These tall grasses were abundant in the tall-grass prairie that once stretched through the middle of the United States from Canada to Texas. Little bluestem grows 24 to 36-inches tall with a dense root system that may extend to eight feet in depth. The grass emerges in Spring or Summer with a blue-green color and sparkling silver seedheads. However, Fall is my favorite time to enjoy Little Bluestem. Right now, along our roadways, you will see its dazzling russet red color. (Remember to keep one eye on the road).

In addition to its beauty in the landscape this native grass is beneficial to grazing cattle and native wildlife. It provides seeds and forage for birds and small mammals and is used for denning and nesting material. Little bluestem is a host plant to several butterflies and can add variety, color and texture to a landscape. I discovered a little patch of this special grass in my side yard, so I have let it grow. Some of my neighbors wish I would mow more, but they are becoming accustomed to my preference for a Wildscape. The tall-grass prairie is no more, but there are prairie remnants here and there. Perhaps you can find one to visit!

Becky Denton,

Texas Master Naturalists