Sorghastrum nutans aka Indian Grass

Taxonomy

Sorghastrum nutans, also known as Indiangrass or yellow Indiangrass, is a tall, bunching, warm-season grass native to the prairies of North America. It can be found in the Central United States, the Eastern United States, and Canada, particularly in the Great Plains and tallgrass prairies. This hardy grass has a strong rooting system and is able to grow in infertile soils, making it an excellent choice for erosion control on slopes. Additionally, it is resistant to deer grazing and provides cover and food for birds and mammals. Indian Grass is also a popular ornamental grass, working well as an upright backdrop in garden borders or as a main mass feature when creating a natural meadow or wildlife garden. When in bloom, it can reach up to six feet in height, and the seedheads add a splash of yellow to orange color from late summer to early fall. The grass blades add shades of green, grey, and even blue to the landscape, and because the short rhizomes remain standing in winter while dormant, it can provide interest to your garden throughout the year.

Common names

Indian Grass, Yellow Indian Grass, Indiangrass, Yellow Indiangrass

How to care for Indian Grass

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Indian Grass is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Indian Grass should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Indian Grass loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Indian Grass requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Yellow Indian Grass is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Indian Grass to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Growth-pattern

The Indian Grass is characterized by clumping growth, with new shoots emerging from the soil around the primary plant.


More info:
Wikipedia