Sorghastrum nutans
Indian grass
A robust perennial grass forming a spreading clump of narrow, arching, blue-green leaves, with slender terminal panicles of yellow-brown spikelets in late summer and autumn
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown Yellow | Blue Green | ||
| Autumn | Brown Yellow | Blue Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Sorghastrum can be annual or perennial, deciduous grasses with erect stems bearing arching, strap-shaped leaves and large flowering panicles in late summer, which are good for drying
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Protect from excessive winter wet. The illustration here shows a young plant of the cultivar 'Blue Steel'
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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