Species Indian grass
yellow-green foliage

Indian grass

Sorghastrum nutans 'Sioux Blue'

Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans 'Sioux Blue') is a warm season grass native of prairie grasslands of the US. It is a low-maintenance, drought tolerant species that grows into dense, bluish-green clumps of upright stems and foliage, up to 1.5 metres in height. Its panicles bloom in summer months, turning from blue-green to deep yellow and fading to dull brown in autumn. It attracts native wildlife such as birds, butterflies, and various pollinators. This tough grass is an excellent choice for larger scale planting projects, meadows, and naturalized areas.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Root Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

Light brown with yellow stamens Flowers

Sun:

Full sun Partial sun

Soil:

Sandy Loamy Clay Rocky

Fruits:

blue,purple,tan Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,tan

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans 'Sioux Blue') should be watered once every 7 to 10 days, allowing the soil to become almost dry between waterings. Do not overwater or allow the soil to become waterlogged. Too much water can cause leaf yellowing and root rot. Once the plants become established, they will need less frequent waterings. During extreme heat or drought, water more frequently, but always allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out before re-watering.

sunlight

Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans 'Sioux Blue') is a warm season grass native to the Midwest United States, and it prefers full sunlight. In general, this species of grass requires 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and flowering. During the spring and summer months, it should receive full sunlight for the entire period of time available. As days begin to shorten and temperatures cool in the fall, the sunlight requirement can be reduced to 6 hours and, in some cases, as low as 4 hours during autumn months. Indian grass prefers the cooler temperatures of fall and winter months and should not be exposed to full sun for any longer than necessary.

pruning

Indian grass, Sorghastrum nutans 'Sioux Blue', should be pruned in the late winter or early spring before the plant begins to grow. Pruning can be done with hedge shears, pruners, or a machete to remove dead and damaged material as well as any stems growing weakly or up above the majority of the foliage. Some of the older, more established stems may need to be thinned out in order to reduce overcrowding and allow the younger, more vigorous stems to push through and to allow for better air and light circulation. Prune the stems of Indian grass to about 6-12 inches or just below the point where the foliage begins. Take caution when pruning to avoid cutting off the new young foliage and seeds, as they are crucial for the plant's health and survival.

Season

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

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

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Sorghastrum nutans 'Sioux Blue' is in August and September.

Starts Flowering

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

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Sorghastrum nutans 'Sioux Blue' is in August and September.

Hardiness Map