Guess This Plant

January 2022 – Guess That Plant

This is the FNJP’s 129th edition of Guess that Plant!

January’s Guess that Plant is a native vine with spectacular flowers. Think you know this plant? If so, send your answer for this month’s Guess that Plant.   

December’s Plant: 

Schizachyrium scoparium, Little bluestem

The December Guess that Plant is a native warm season grass found in every New Jersey county. Little bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium, is one of North American’s most important grass species. It forms an integral part of open upland ecosystems, specifically from the tall grass prairies east to the Atlantic coast. Little bluestem is found on New Jersey’s roadsides, old fields, and natural forest gaps. It has a C4 metabolism, allowing the plant to occupy hot sunny environments common in open fields and plains. Little bluestem is the only Schizachyrium in New Jersey. It differs from the similar looking Andropogon virginicum by the lack of large cauline leaves, spathes around flower stalk base, and straw v golden color.

JRA 12/2021