Sorghastrum nutans aka Indian Grass

Sorghastrum nutans is a perennial grass known as Indian grass. Wood grass is another name for this species. It belongs to the grass family, Poaceae. Its native range spans North and Central America. It grows in prairies and sandy places across much of North America. It was a major grass of the Midwest's tallgrass prairie. This warm-season grass makes most growth from June through August.

The plant forms upright clumps with narrow, arching leaves. Garden height varies between sources. RHS gives 3–5 feet (1–1.5 metres). NC State gives 5–7 feet (1.5–2.1 metres), including tall flowering stems. Reported spread ranges from 1–3.3 feet (0.3–1 metre). The leaves range from green to blue-green. They can reach 2 feet (0.6 metres) long. Each leaf has a sheath around the stem. Leaves turn yellow-orange in fall and keep some winter color. The plant sheds its leaves, rather than staying evergreen.

Flower stems rise above the leaves in late summer. NC State records bloom from August through October. Narrow, feathery panicles can reach 1 foot (0.3 metres) long. Yellow stamens stand out against the light brown spikelets. The heads turn bronze or chestnut as they age. They later fade to gray and remain into winter. Small grain fruits, called caryopses, appear from September through November. Songbirds and small mammals eat the seeds. The clumps also give wildlife cover throughout the year. Several kinds of grasshopper feed on the plant.

Grow Indian grass in full sun with good soil drainage. It accepts clay, loam, sand, chalk, and shallow rocky soil. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils all suit it. It tolerates drought, poor soil, and brief spells of wetness. Rich, moist soil can make the stems flop. Protect the plant from too much wetness in winter. Sources rate it for USDA zones 4–9 and UK H7. Remove dead leaves and old flower stems in spring. Divide clumps or sow seed in spring to raise plants.

Use it in meadow plantings, borders, or groups. Its roots help limit soil loss on slopes. The flower heads also suit dried displays. It resists deer grazing and has few serious pest or disease problems. It can spread by seed where conditions suit it. Its high flammability makes it unsuitable close to homes.