Sorghastrum nutans 'Indian Steel' - Indian Grass

Indian grass, along with switch grass and big bluestem once dominated millions of acres in central N. America. Sorghastrum is the most widely adaptable of the three, thus making it an excellent choice for many low-maintenance gardens. Its beauty lies in the many reddish-brown flowers which are high-lighted by brilliant yellow anthers. Excellent for flower arrangements.

Also useful for roadside beautification projects and erosion control. It is a North American native plant - one of the tall prairie grasses.

We are very happy to have finally found a blue type that holds up to the elements.

Description: warm season; sod forming (slow spreader)
Foliage is blue-green; medium blade width; 80-120 cm (32-48")
Flowers Aug to Sept, 100-150 cm (40-60")

Ideal conditions: full sun to light shade; likes moist fertile soil but is very drought tolerant once established

Coldest Zone: 3 (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness)

Season of interest: August to winter

Drought tolerance rating: 2 (water to root depth once every 2 weeks); further info

Native to: the species is native to North America, from Quebec to Manitoba and south to Mexico

Recommended spacing between plants: 60-100 cm (24-40") why such a difference?

When to divide: when it shows signs of life in the spring, continuing until the new growth is about 12" tall; only in the spring (further info on dividing grasses)

When to plant or transplant: plant bare root plants only in late spring to early summer, when the soil is warm, about the same time you plant your bean or corn seeds. The roots will grow only in warm soil. Planting too early in the spring may cause the roots to rot. Similar story in the fall when the roots may not grow enough to establish before the cold and wet of winter, resulting in the demise of the plant.

When to cut back: before the new growth starts to appear, but after the cold weather is over. Cut back to about 4" from the crown of the plant.

Pronunciation: Sorghastrum (sor-GAS-trum) nutans (NOO-tanz)

Sizes available: n/a in 2010      Canadian price list   ||   US price list

Menu of ornamental grasses

Compare Sorghastrum nutans 'Indian Steel' to our other grasses in this handy chart.