Does it need to be cut back?

Yes, cut it back to the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.

It is native to North America and generally behaves well in garden settings.

Plant guide

Indiangrass.

Sorghastrum nutans

Pronounced sor-GAS-trum NOO-tanz

Also known as Indian Grass, Wood Grass, Yellow Indian Grass, nodding false-sorghum, yellow false-sorghum, yellow indian-grass, Yellow Indiangrass, Indiangrass

Indiangrass is a beautiful native bunchgrass that adds a lovely texture to any prairie or meadow garden. It is known for its tall, golden plumes that shimmer in the late summer breeze. This hardy plant is a fantastic choice for supporting local pollinators and birds.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial grass
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 5 to 8 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 4 to 9
Bloom time: Late summer to mid autumn

Care

Plant this grass in a spot that gets plenty of sun to keep it strong and upright. Watch for drooping stems which might indicate it is not getting enough light or is being overwatered. It is very drought tolerant once established in your garden.

Watering: Water deeply during the first season, then rely on rainfall once it is established.
Feeding: It rarely needs fertilizer, but a light compost top dressing in spring helps.
Pruning: Cut the foliage back to the ground in late winter or early spring.
Repotting: If growing in a container, divide the clump every few years to keep it healthy.
Soil: Well draining loam or clay
Soil pH: 5.0 to 8.0
Temperature: -35 to 35°C
Humidity: 30 to 70%
Drought tolerance: High
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 10 plus years
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
The plant stops growing despite regular care.

Safety

People: There is no known toxicity to humans.
Children: The sharp leaf edges can cause minor cuts if handled roughly by children.
Contact allergens: The foliage can cause minor skin irritation due to fine hairs.
Airborne allergens: The pollen can trigger seasonal allergies in sensitive individuals.
Edibility: This grass is not intended for human consumption.

How to identify it

Tall, upright, clumping growth habit
Blue green leaf blades
Golden yellow feathery flower panicles
Distinctive orange anthers on flowers

Height: 0.9 to 2.4m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.6m
Leaves: blue-green, yellow-gold, deciduous
Flowers: yellow, bronze, 15 to 30cm
Fruit: tan, Autumn

Problems to watch for

Rust · Fungal spots may appear on leaves during periods of high humidity.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, seed
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: Leave the foliage standing through the winter to protect the crown and provide cover for beneficial insects.
In containers: It is best suited for the ground but can grow in very large containers if given enough space.

Division

Dig up the clump in early spring.
Use a sharp spade to divide the root ball into smaller sections.
Replant immediately and water well.

Seed

Collect seeds in late autumn.
Sow seeds in pots or directly in the garden in fall.
Keep soil moist until germination in spring.

Plant in groups of three or more to create a naturalistic prairie effect.

Grows well with

Purple Coneflower · They share similar moisture and light requirements in a prairie garden.
Blazing Star · The vertical spikes of the Liatris contrast nicely with the soft texture of the grass.
Black Eyed Susan · These provide a bright color contrast against the blue green foliage of the grass.

Similar species

Big Bluestem · It is another iconic tallgrass prairie species with similar growth habits.

Science

Family: Poaceae
Genus: Sorghastrum
Order: Poales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Central and eastern North America.
Conservation: It is a common native species and is not currently of conservation concern.

It thrives in open prairies and meadows where it competes for light by growing tall and deep roots.

Value to wildlife: nesting material, seed source for birds, larval host plant
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: ornamental grass, prairie restoration, erosion control, wildlife habitat

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 8/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 4/9
Nutrients: 3/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need to be cut back?: Yes, cut it back to the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
Is it invasive?: It is native to North America and generally behaves well in garden settings.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Sorghastrum comes from the Greek word for sorghum, referring to the resemblance of the seed heads, while nutans means nodding.

Good to know

It is the state grass of Oklahoma.
The seed heads turn a beautiful metallic bronze color in the fall.
It provides excellent winter interest in the garden.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.