Yellow Prairie Grass

aka Indian grass

Sorghastrum nutans

Native to: All of New England

Life cycle: Perennial Grass

Light: Full Sun

Soil Moisture: Medium to Dry

Height: 3-6’
Spacing: 2-3’

Blooms: August-September
Bloom Color: Yellow, Orange

Natural Habitat: Meadows, roadsides, woodland openings, and rocky shorelines

Benefits: Bird Favorite, Host Plant, Deer/Rabbit Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control/Soil Stabilization, Low Maintenance

Pairs Well With: Butterfly milkweed, wild bee-balm, downy goldenrod, common milkweed, and smooth blue aster

“Indian grass is a wonderful native species that works very well for ornamental value in a wide range of soils, from dry and sandy to moist or clayey… Its autumn blooms produce bright orange anthers that hang down from each flower providing winter interest, and its diffuse root system can control erosion.”

–Native Plant Trust

“Indian Grass is one of the first warm season grasses to form seeds and they are rich clusters of bronze colored seed. Golden stems and large seed heads provide ample color and texture to plantings and birds will enjoy the seeds come fall.”

–Prairie Moon Nursery