Fall Sun-Catcher

This is a plant that I’ve found at all of the rocky clearings in the woods, as well as the meadowy area near the power-line corridor. I’ve identified it as little bluestem, a native grass. “Little bluestem” seems almost like a misnomer for such a tall, red-toned grass, but during the spring and summer, it’s smaller and bluer. Or so I’m told. Honestly, I never notice it until the fall, when it suddenly reaches up to capture the sun with its coppery stems and feathery seeds. Because it’s so attractive in the fall, little bluestem is often used as an ornamental, and there are many cultivars available. It’s also low-maintenance, drought-resistant, and has a deep root system, making it a good plant for erosion control. Best of all, it’s a source of food and shelter for birds, insects, and other woodland creatures. Little bluestem is an all-around winner.