Schizachyrium is a widespread genus of plants in the grass family.

[4] The name is derived from the Ancient Greek words σχίζειν (schizein), meaning "to split," and ἄχυρον (achyron), meaning "chaff."

It refers to either the glume or the toothed lemmas.

[5][6][7] In the United States, members of the genus are commonly known as bluestems.

[8] Species in the genus include:[2][9] Some species formerly included in Schizachyrum are now considered better suited to other genera: Andropogon, Dichanthium, Rottboellia, Sehima, Sphaerocaryum.