Holt Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) - This native grass is a beautiful clumping native prairie grass of medium color, turning to a showy yellow to bronze color in the fall. It will normally retain some color throughout the winter. At one time Indian Grass grew throughout the prairies of central and eastern United States. It grows best in deep, well-drained floodplain soils but is highly tolerant of poorly to excessively well-drained soils, acid to alkaline conditions, and textures ranging from sand to clay. In good soils this native grass can get up to 6 - 7 feet tall, but 3-5 feet tall is more normal.
Indian grass has many uses. It is very palatable for livestock in its active growing season and provides an excellent wild life habitat. Since it is very tolerant of poor soils, it can be used for erosion control in many areas where other plants won't thrive. It can be used as an ornamental grass, a border plant, or used alone or combined with other native grasses, such as the Bluestem grasses, to create a meadow look or even combined with wildflowers.
To plant Indian native grass seed, fresh seed may be sown in the fall and expected to sprout when the soil warms up in the spring, or firmly planted 0.25 in deep in early spring. It should not be mowed or grazed at all the first year.
Seeding Rate
8 - 12 PLS lbs per acre or 1/2 - 1 PLS lb per 1000 square feet for ornamental plantings.
PLS pounds - Pure Live Seed, or PLS, is the percentage of viable seed in a given lot. It is calculated by multiplying the purity percentage by the total germination percentage. For example, 95% purity multiplied by 85% total germination equals a 80.75% PLS. This means that out of every bulk pound of that bag of native grass seed that you plant, 80.75% of it is actually seed of that tagged variety and has the potential to germinate.
Specifications
Type: Perennial
Mature Height: 3 - 5 feet
Soil Type: Well drained
Mature Spread: 2 - 3 feet
Flower Color: Golden Brown
Mature Form: Upright - Clump
Foliage Color: Silvery-blue
Growth Rate: Moderate
Fall Color: Yellow to bronze
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Moisture Requirements: Adaptable to dry
Zones: 4-9
