Indian Grass

Indian Grass

Sorghastrum nutans

A tall and elegant native prairie grass known for its golden-bronze flower plumes that rise high above the foliage in late summer. The upright blue-green leaves form strong clumps that turn rich shades of orange and gold in autumn.

The tall flowering stems catch the light beautifully and sway in the wind, creating movement and structure in prairie landscapes.

A Signature Grass of the Tallgrass Prairie

Indian Grass is one of the dominant grasses of North America’s historic tallgrass prairie ecosystems. Along with Big Bluestem and Switchgrass, it helped form the vast grasslands that once covered large areas of the continent.

Its deep root system allows the plant to survive drought, fire, and harsh prairie conditions while helping build rich, healthy soil over time.

A Grass of Prairies and Open Meadows

This species naturally grows in tallgrass prairies, open savannas, dry meadows, and sunny woodland edges. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils and is extremely resilient once established.

The dense clumps provide nesting cover for birds and important habitat for insects throughout the growing season.

Growing Information

Height: 4–7 ft

Spread: 2–3 ft

Light: Full sun

Soil: Dry to average, well-drained soils

Hardiness: Zone 3–9

Growth Rate: Moderate

Best planted in prairie gardens, meadows, restoration plantings, and naturalized landscapes.

Ecological Importance

Indian Grass:

Provides seeds eaten by birds and small mammals

Offers nesting and shelter habitat for wildlife

Supports native prairie insects

Helps stabilize soil with deep root systems

🐛 Larval Host Plant For

• Pepper-and-Salt Skipper (Amblyscirtes hegon)
• Delaware Skipper (Anatrytone logan)

Associated Prairie & Meadow Species

Common companions in natural plant communities include:

• Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
• Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)
• Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
• Leadplant (Amorpha canescens)
• Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
• Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
• Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum)
• New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

Planting these species together helps recreate resilient prairie and meadow ecosystems that support pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects.

Planting to Protect
Restoring to Thrive 🌱
Origin Native Plants 🌱

3.5 inch Pots 🌱