Sorghastrum spp.

indiangrass

Poaceae

The Americas, with some species in Africa

Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 4–9

Overview

Sorghastrum spp. is a genus of warm-season perennial grasses in the family Poaceae, native mainly to the Americas with some species in Africa. Plants form upright clumps of narrow blades 2-7 feet (0.6-2.1 m) tall, the foliage blue-green to gray-green through summer and turning shades of yellow, orange, and bronze in autumn. In late summer and autumn, slender stems rise above the foliage to carry narrow, plume-like panicles 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) long, golden-bronze with small yellow anthers and silky hairs. The North American S. nutans, called Indiangrass, is grown widely and forms a component of tallgrass prairie. The genus grows in full sun on a wide range of soils and tolerates heat and drought once established. In rich soil or shade the tall stems can lean and flop. Clumps spread slowly by short rhizomes rather than running. Foliage fades to tan and stands through winter.

Native Range

Sorghastrum spp. is native mainly to the Americas, from Canada through the United States to South America, with a few species in Africa. The grasses grow in prairies, open woodlands, savannas, and along roadsides and meadows.

Suggested Uses

Used in prairie and meadow plantings, naturalized grasslands, rain gardens, and mixed borders with late perennials. Spaced 18-36 inches (45-90 cm) apart, plants form vertical accents and erosion-binding cover. The seed heads also draw seed-eating birds in autumn and winter.

How to Identify

Recognized by upright clumps of narrow blue-green to gray-green blades 2-7 feet (0.6-2.1 m) tall. In late summer the stems bear narrow, plume-like golden-bronze panicles 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) long, with prominent yellow anthers and a soft sheen. Paired hairy spikelets and a clasping, two-pronged ligule at the leaf base separate the genus from similar prairie grasses.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 7'

Width/Spread1' - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Summer Fall

The plume-like panicles appear from late summer into autumn, generally August to October. Yellow anthers and silky bristles give the flowering heads a metallic golden-bronze tone. The seed heads fade to tan and persist into winter.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Golden-bronze with yellow anthers

Foliage Description

Blue-green to gray-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand clay

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plants grow in full sun on a wide range of soils, from sand to clay, at a pH from about 5.0 to 7.5. They tolerate heat, humidity, and drought once established, and need little feeding; rich soil produces taller, weaker stems that may lean. Even moisture in the first season helps clumps root in, after which watering can be reduced. As warm-season grasses, they green up late in spring and grow most actively in summer heat. Clumps are long-lived and seldom need division. Hardiness covers USDA zones 4 to 9.

Pruning

Stems and foliage are cut back to a few inches above the ground in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. The dried seed heads can be left standing through winter for structure. Clumps that open out in the centre can be lifted and divided in spring.

Pruning Schedule

late winterearly spring