Sorghastrum nutans

Common Names

Indian Grass, Indiangrass, Wood Grass, Yellow Indiangrass, Yellow Prairie Grass

Summary

Sorghastrum nutans, commonly known as Indian Grass, is a tall warm-season perennial bunch grass native to tallgrass prairies of central and eastern North America, growing in upright blue-green clumps to about 3–8 feet tall with yellow to golden-brown plume-like panicles that rise above the foliage in late summer to fall, tolerating a wide range of soils—from sand and loam to heavy clay—and thriving in full sun with drought tolerance once established, while supporting wildlife including birds and pollinators and used for erosion control and prairie restoration.

Propagation is by seed, with division being difficult due to a dense root system, and the plant can self-seed under favorable conditions; planted in mass or with other natives, Indian Grass provides habitat and ornamental value, contributing to prairie restoration, erosion control, and seasonal interest from late summer through winter.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

36-60 inches

Spread

24-36 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full Sun, tolerates Partial Sun, Partial Shade, and Full Shade

Soil Type

Well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soils

Soil pH

4.8-8.0, tolerates a wide range of soil pH (acidic to alkaline, including neutral)

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Fall

Foliage Color

Blue-green foliage

Fall Foliage Color

Orange to purple

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast to medium-fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds, bees, and butterflies