Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Poaceae
Botanical Name
Sorghastrum nutans
Plant Common Name
Indian Grass
General Description
Bearing feathery quills of golden flowers on tall erect stems, this clump-forming grass is native to prairies and open woodlands over much of North America. Appearing in late summer, the flower heads are held high above fountaining tussocks of knee-high, narrow-bladed leaves that flex gracefully at their tips. The gray-green to metallic-blue leaves assume bright rust colors in fall before fading to parchment tones. The golden-tan flower heads turn burgundy and bronze as they ripen their seed.
Indiangrass succeeds on many soils, from sandy and moist to heavy and dry, as well as from acidic to moderately alkaline. Plant it in full sun and moist loam for most robust growth. It makes a beautiful vertical accent for the mixed border, a spacious foundation bed, or a meadow. Plants will self sow abundantly in favorable conditions. This stately grass is well-suited for American gardeners who seek a native alternative to silver grass (Miscanthus) or pampas grass (Cortaderia). Cultivar 'Sioux Blue' is particularly showy with steel blue leaves that turn purple in autumn's chill.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 9
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Plant Type
Grass
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m
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Width
18"-24" / 45.7cm - 61.0cm
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Bloom Time
Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
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Native To
North America, United States, Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, North-Central United States, Central United States, South-Central United States, Texas, Canada, Mexico
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought, Salt
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Yellow, Tan, Ivory
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Fruit Color
Gold, Burgundy, Bronze, Sandy Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Light Green, Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Blue Green, Burgundy, Copper
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Tan
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Dried Flower/Everlasting, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Wildflower
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
Yes
