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Sorghastrum nutans
Indian Grass
Upright clumps of slender, blue-green leaves turn golden yellow in fall. Stiff, vertical flowering stems topped with 12" long, narrow, auburn flower heads rise well above the foliage in late summer. Indian grass is a good vertical accent in borders and is also effective en masse. This bunch grass provides excellent cover and food for ducks, upland game birds, and songbirds.
Benefits
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Provides nest sites, protective cover and food for birds |
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Flower heads are used in fresh or dried arrangements |
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Great fall and winter interest |
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Very drought tolerant and winter hardy |
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Tolerant of a wide range of conditions, including poor, dry soils |
Homeowner Growing and Maintenance Tips
Easy to grow in full sun. Grow in dry to average soil. Tolerates heat and humidity as well as a wide range of soil. Does well in poor, dry, infertile soil. Tends to open up and flop in moist, rich soil. May naturalize by self-seeding in optimum growing conditions. Leave foliage in place over winter for interest and to provide homes for over-wintering critters. Cut back to the ground in late winter before new growth begins.
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Height |
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Spread |
USDA Hardiness Zone 2-9
Native Range
Prairies, fields and roadsides; New Brunswick to Alberta south to Arizona and Florida.
Native Trivia
Planting native grasses will save you labor in the garden. Native grasses help choke out weeds because they have dense fibrous root systems that discourage weeds from invading. These root systems are also drought tolerant so you don't have to water as much.
"This big upright grass is a perfect place for us birds to hide and the seeds offer us a food source."
Characteristics & Attributes
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Plan Sub Group
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Exposure
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Soil
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Soil Moisture Preference
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Attracts Wildlife
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Bloom Time
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Habitat Collection
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Foliage Color
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Uses
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Native to
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