Species Indian grass
green-brown foliage

Indian grass

Sorghastrum nutans 'Indian Steel'

Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans 'Indian Steel') is a native North American grass species that is adaptable to a range of soils. It produces fine-textured, steel-blue foliage with upright stalks that reach up to 5 feet tall when mature. Its feathered plumes emerge in mid-summer and provide a dramatic contrast to its foliage. This warm season grass can thrive in both dry and wet conditions, making it an ideal choice for a range of landscapes. Indian grass is drought-tolerant once it becomes established. Its foliage remains attractive throughout the season, providing great texture and height to gardens and flowerbeds.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division,Root Cutting,Seed Propagation,Stolon,Cormlet Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

Light brown with yellow stamens Flowers

Sun:

Full sun Partial sun

Soil:

Sandy Loamy Clay Rocky

Fruits:

red,brown,tan Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,tan

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Indian grass should be watered once per week. Aim to give the soil a deep soak so that the water reaches a few inches below the surface. During hot weather, you may need to water more often. Avoid shallow, frequent watering as this encourages shallow root development. During the winter months, reduce watering to once every 2 or 3 weeks. Adjust the frequency depending on the weather and conditions. Check the soil before watering and only water if the soil feels dry to the touch.

sunlight

Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans 'Indian Steel') prefers full sun, meaning 8 to 10 hours of direct sunlight per day. In partial shade it can still exhibit vigorous growth, but will be thinner and weaker than normal. The sunlight needs to be strong for it to produce the tall seed heads that Indian grass is known for. During the summer months, the plant should receive direct sun between 8am and 6pm. In late autumn and winter, the amount of light should be reduced to 6-7 hours per day.

pruning

Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans 'Indian Steel') should be pruned in mid to late summer. To maintain a good growth habit, this grass species should be lightly pruned to 3 or 4 inches above the ground. It is best to wait until the end of the growing season to do heavier pruning. This encourages new growth while preventing it from becoming overly stressed. When pruning, it is important to be careful not to damage the roots. When using any type of tool, such as shears or clippers, it is best to sanitize them after each use to prevent the spread of any diseases.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Indian Steel typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Sorghastrum nutans 'Indian Steel' typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Indian Steel typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Sorghastrum nutans 'Indian Steel' typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map