Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a native bunch grass that is easily identified, especially in the late summer and fall when the silvery seed is still atop the stems that have turned “blue”. Look for it at mid elevation on the dry rocky slopes above the desert floor.
Little bluestem is easily found in nurseries as well as in the wild. Its decorative look has established it in urban landscapes and grasses are fun in a personal landscape. They provide movement with the slightest of breeze, but for me more importantly native grasses supply nesting material, seed, and places to hide for native insects and birds. Whatever you do when adding grasses to your wildlife garden stay away from non-natives as they can be invasive and really offer nothing for local critters. Go native and all the native creatures will appreciate it. Believe me.
Talking about desert broom (Baccharis sarothroides) is a November tradition and so is singing an old hymn that I like to play with. The...
One of the most magical moments of my childhood was when I first dug up potatoes in a garden and we later had some...
Berberis fremontii is in the Barberry family or Berberidaceae…that’s fun to pronounce. Fremont barberry has quite a range north of the Salt River in...
