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Sorghastrum nutans (Indian Grass)

Sorghastrum nutans (Indian Grass) seedheads in September. Photo © 2017 Elaine Mills
Sorghastrum nutans (Indian grass) - Fall foliage
Sorghastrum nutans (Indian Grass) golden flower heads in September.
Sorghastrum nutans (Indian Grass) in Longwood Gardens meadow in October.
Sorghastrum nutans (Indian Grass) in fall meadow. Photo © 2018 Elaine Mills

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Sorghastrum nutans, Indian Grass This native of much of North America was once one of the dominant grass species of the tallgrass prairie. It is a good choice for erosion control on slopes and combines well with robust wildflowers such as butterfly-weed, purple coneflower, orange coneflower, and other native grasses. Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic Grass / Sedge En Masse Summer & Fall, Flower Panicles Height: 3–5 feet Spread: 2–3 feet Bloom Color: Light brown Characteristics Clumping perennial grass with upright form Blue-green leaves 1⁄2” wide and 2’ long Feathery golden flower panicles with metallic sheen rise above foliage to 5–6’ in September Foliage turns yellow-orange in fall Panicles darken to bronze and persist in winter Attributes Tolerates drought, erosion, dry and rocky soil, air pollution, and Black Walnut No serious pests or diseases; deer-resistant Tends to flop in moist, rich soil or excess shade Winter interest Provides pollen for bees and butterflies, seeds for songbirds, and nesting for small mammals and native bees; larval host to Pepper-and-Salt Skipper Growing and Maintenance Tips Excellent Replacement for Soil Requirements: Well-drained Cortaderia selloana - Pampas Grass Light Requirements: Sun Miscanthus sinensis - Chinese Silver Grass Water Requirements: Dry, Moist Pennisetum setaceum - Fountain Grass Cut back to ground in early spring before new growth appears Use as a vertical accent in borders, mass in meadows, or plant to control erosion on slopes Hardiness: USDA Zones 2–9 developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria Images by Elaine Mills, National Garden, U.S. Botanic Garden and (top right) Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Tried and True Native Plant Selections
for the Mid-Atlantic

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 Sorghastrum nutans (Indian Grass)

This native of much of North America was once one of the dominant grass species of the tallgrass prairie. It is a good choice for erosion control on slopes and combines well with robust wildflowers such as butterfly-weed, purple coneflower, orange coneflower, and other native grasses.

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: 
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets