Carousel little bluestem is a Chicagoland Grows® selection. Chicagoland Grows® is a plant introduction partnership of the Chicago Botanic Garden, the Morton Arboretum and the Ornamental Growers Association of Northern Illinois formed to promote plant cultivars that perform well in northern Illinois. This grass variety was discovered among open pollinated seedlings of the species Schizachyrium scoparium at Boehm's Garden Center in Rushville, Illinois. Carousel was selected for its rounded, bowl-shaped dwarf habit, superior resistance to lodging in winter and attractive mixed fall color of copper, pink and tan. It is drought tolerant and does not require supplemental water.