Sorghastrum nutans
indiangrass
Native to North America from Quebec and Ontario south to Florida and west to Arizona and the Rocky Mountain foothills in tallgrass prairies, dry meadows, woodland openings, and roadsides on wide range of soil types from sandy to clay
Overview
Sorghastrum nutans is Indiangrass — a major native warm-season tallgrass prairie grass in the family Poaceae growing 48–72 inches (120–180 cm) tall and 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) wide in an upright clumping habit. The genus name 'Sorghastrum' translates as 'resembling sorghum', referencing the visual similarity to cultivated sorghum that places the genus near the agricultural grain genus in the Poaceae family. The species is one of the three principal tallgrass prairie species along with big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) and little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium); the three species together formed the dominant structural matrix of the historic North American tallgrass prairie ecosystem before European agricultural conversion. Golden-bronze tall feathery plumes with prominent dangling yellow anthers appear in late summer (August–October) and run as the warmest, most golden-toned plume of any prairie grass. Blue-green summer foliage transitions to deep golden-orange fall color — the warmest fall foliage tone among the 'big three' prairie grasses (big bluestem turns copper-red, little bluestem turns mahogany-purple, Indiangrass turns golden-orange). The species name 'nutans' translates as 'nodding', describing the gently nodding plume tips. The species runs adapted to a wide soil range including heavy clay and runs strongly drought-tolerant once established. Hardy to USDA zone 3, which extends the cultivation range from the southern Great Plains north into Canada. Deer avoid the foliage. Not known to be toxic to pets or humans.
Native Range
Sorghastrum nutans is native to North America, from Quebec and Ontario south to Florida and west to Arizona and the Rocky Mountain foothills, in tallgrass prairies, dry meadows, woodland openings, and roadsides on a wide range of soil types from sandy to clay.Suggested Uses
Used in prairie restorations, naturalized garden areas, mass plantings for fall color, mixed prairie compositions with the other two 'big three' prairie grasses, native pollinator habitat plantings, and large naturalistic landscape installations. The species runs as the golden-toned member of the tallgrass prairie matrix — the warmest fall color among the principal prairie grasses creates a fall landscape effect when combined with the copper-red big bluestem and mahogany-purple little bluestem. Named cultivars including 'Indian Steel' (improved blue summer foliage) and 'Sioux Blue' (more vivid blue foliage and stronger upright habit) extend the species's garden uses into more refined ornamental plantings beyond prairie restorations.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4' - 6'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowering from August through October across approximately 6 weeks. Golden-bronze feathery plumes with prominent dangling yellow anthers stand above the foliage. Plants run wind-pollinated; the prominent yellow anthers release pollen in the August–October window during peak prairie flowering season. The plumes hold structural form through fall and into winter standing-dormant in dry-climate prairie plantings.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Golden-bronze; tall feathery plumes with prominent dangling yellow anthersFoliage Description
Blue-green flat leaf blades in summer, transitioning to deep golden-orange in fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light. Any soil including heavy clay suits the species; the wide soil-range tolerance runs as a defining trait that contrasts with more soil-specific prairie grasses. Strongly drought-tolerant once established. Cut all foliage to 6 inches (15 cm) above ground in late February or March before new growth emerges; warm-season grasses emerge later in spring than cool-season grasses, and waiting for the new growth to start before cutting back avoids damage to emerging shoots. Hardy to USDA zone 3. No fertilization — the prairie-soil adaptation runs disrupted by added fertility. Plants establish slowly in the first two seasons and reach full size in the third year.Pruning
Leave the foliage and plumes standing through winter for structural interest, habitat value, and bird seed source. Cut all foliage to 6 inches (15 cm) above ground in late February or March before new growth emerges. No other seasonal pruning is needed.Pruning Schedule
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winter