Sorghastrum nutans

Sorghastrum nutans: Golden Grace from the Tallgrass Prairie

Tall, elegant, and deeply rooted in North American prairie heritage, Sorghastrum nutans—commonly known as Indiangrass—delivers striking vertical form and rich golden colour to the late-season garden. Its upright blue-green blades rise confidently through summer, topped in early fall by airy panicles of bronzy-yellow flowers that shimmer in the light. As temperatures drop, the foliage shifts to glowing shades of copper and amber, offering long-lasting seasonal interest. This warm-season native is both beautiful and ecologically valuable, adding structure, movement, and habitat to any sunny planting.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 150–200 cm (in flower)
• Spread: 60–90 cm
• Flower Colour: Golden bronze
• Flowering Period: Late summer to early fall
• Foliage: Blue-green turning copper-gold in fall
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained to average soils; drought tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: Indiangrass is a bold and graceful choice for prairie gardens, large borders, and naturalized plantings. Its upright habit makes it a striking vertical accent, while its changing colours bring seasonal rhythm and warmth. It supports wildlife, resists deer, and thrives in heat and poor soils, making it an essential grass for resilient, habitat-friendly landscapes.

Companion Plants: Combine Sorghastrum nutans with Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' for vivid pink blooms that pop against the grass’s golden hues. Add Aster novae-angliae for soft violet daisies that bloom alongside its bronzy plumes. Finish with Rudbeckia maxima, whose tall, glaucous foliage and bold yellow flowers mirror the grass’s strong form and prairie spirit.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment; once mature, it is highly drought tolerant. Leave foliage and seed heads standing through winter for structure and habitat, cutting back in early spring before new growth appears. Divide only as needed—this grass thrives when left undisturbed.

History: A dominant species of the North American tallgrass prairie, Sorghastrum nutans has long been valued for its ecological role, ornamental beauty, and adaptability. It remains a staple in native plantings and large-scale restorations across the continent.

Final Thoughts: With its golden plumes and upright strength, Sorghastrum nutans captures the heart of the prairie—bringing vertical elegance, seasonal colour, and ecological integrity to the modern garden.