Georgia Wildlife Federation

Resources < Wildlife Habitats < Guide to Native Plants of Georgia for Wildlife < Sorghastrum nutans

Indiangrass is one of our showiest native grasses. In late summer, fields of Indiangrass turn a golden, downy yellow as they flower during a two-week period. After that, the strong-textured foliage shifts from a bluish green to a coppery orange or a light purple. Indiangrass is a wonderful way to add fall and winter interest to open fields. It is important not to mow during this time, or much of the beauty of this plant will be sacrificed.

Indiangrass is an important member of tallgrass prairies further west, where herds of thousands of bison formerly grazed it. Other herbivores, including deer and ruminants, prefer this grass over other species. Birds use the blades for nests and the seeds for food. Planting Indiangrass is a wonderful way to attract and support native wildlife. Excellent native companion plants include pink muhly, broomsedge, beebalm, coneflowers, goldenrods, and ironweed.

Family: Poaceae (Grass)

Description: Large, clump-forming perennial grass. Blades are pointed, 18” long, pale green to blue in summer, coppery orange/red to purple in fall. Blooms are bright gold, in showy clusters 4-11” long, occur from late summer to early fall. Fruits are tawny, with seeds ripening mid-fall.

Size: 4-5 feet tall, occasionally 8 feet

Habit: Large, clump-forming perennial grass

Planting and Care: It is important to site Indiangrass in open locations with full sun. It seeds, transplants, and divides readily and may be naturalized via plugs (quicker) or seed. It prefers well-drained soils and is drought-tolerant once established.

Ornamental Value: The assets of Indiangrass include its bright gold flowers as well as its wonderful coppery orange to purple fall color. Its best impact is en masse.

Landscape Use: Indiangrass is suitable for naturalization in native flower gardens, meadows, prairies, or fields. It works best without mowing and is a great way to add fall and winter color to open areas.

Wildlife Benefits: Indiangrass flowers are visited by bees for the pollen, while the seeds are eaten by a variety of birds. The foliage provides excellent nest-building material for songbirds and is also favored by grazing animals. The blades are also a food for the larvae of the Pepper-and-Salt Skipper butterfly.

Native Habitat: Native across eastern and central North America. Preferred habitats include sandhills, dry banks, ditches, fields, prairies, and sparse or open woodlands.