Indiangrass
Sorghastrum nutans
Indiangrass, Sorghastrum nutans, is another native, warm season grass species in the North American tallgrass prairie ecosystem. Its unique yellowish-brown, plume-like panicle makes Indiangrass easy to distinguish in mixed plantings. Ecologists and biologists interested in sustainability and diversity in dedicated energy crop plantings consider Indiangrass a natural choice. While not having the remarkable yields demonstrated by some of the other native, warm season grasses, Indiangrass is tolerant of an extremely wide range of soil, water and pH conditions.
Habitat – Moist or dry fields, roadsides and serpentine barrens; grows best in deep, well-drained soils; pH 5.0-7.8.
Characteristics – A decorative, warm season bunch grass; grows to 6.5’ tall; 24” minimum root depth; full sun; moderate drought tolerance; moderate salt tolerance; blooms from August to October in the northern U.S.; September to October in the southern U.S.; attractive, bronze seed heads.
Seeding Rate – 8-10 PLS lb per acre alone; 10%-50% of a mix; approx. 175,000 seeds per lb
