Illinois Native Plant Guide
Indian Grass
Sorghastrum nutans
Preferred Water Depth and Inundation Tolerance
Prefers mesic prairie zone. Species has no inundation tolerance.
Wildlife Value
Palatable and very nutritious to grazing species. Attracts butterflies. Provides
cover for small mammals and songbirds.
Application/Zone
Dense, tangled root system binds soil well and can stabilize upland slope
buffers. Slows runoff.
Availability, Establishment, and Maintenance
Propagation by seed is best. Can be planted in the fall or late April to June.
Debearding produces free-flowing seed that can usually be sown by drill or by
hand broadcasting but debearding is not necessary.
This species is first to establish matrix in prairie restorations, then
reduces dominance and gives way to Big Bluestem after 3 - 5 years.
Be cautious of non-local seed and hybrids.
Indian Grass
Sorghastrum nutans
Mature Height
4-8 feet
Plant Type
Perennial grass
Indicator Status
Facultative Upland (+)
pH
Wide range
Nutrient Load Tolerance
Low
Salt Tolerance
Not available
Siltation Tolerance
Low to moderate
Flowering Color and Time
Golden brown
August to September
Light Preference
Full sun
Seeding Rate
2.5 - 6.0 lbs/acre
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