Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans 'Sioux Blue') is a warm-season native perennial that once dominated the tallgrass prairies of the Midwest. This upright, clumping grass grows 3 to 5 feet tall, occasionally reaching 6 feet, and is prized for its striking blue-green foliage and late-season flowering from August through February. Hardy in zones 4 through 9, it thrives in full sun and handles drought, poor soils, and even heavy clays with ease, making it exceptionally reliable for difficult sites where other ornamentals struggle.
10
Full Sun
Moderate
4-9
60in H x 36in W
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Moderate
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The blue-green foliage alone sets this variety apart, creating an elegant vertical accent from spring through late winter. Its flowers are fragrant, showy, and excellent for cutting fresh or drying, while birds flock to the edible seeds throughout the extended bloom period. Because it tolerates black walnut, erosion-prone slopes, shallow rocky soils, and urban conditions, it solves real landscape problems without fussiness.
This grass serves multiple roles in contemporary gardens. It works as a naturalized meadow component, a living hedge or privacy screen, and a source of cut and dried flowers for arrangements. The edible seeds attract birds throughout fall and winter, making it valuable for wildlife gardens. The dried foliage and seed heads provide architectural interest and seasonal decoration extending well into the cold months.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Transplant seedlings or plugs in spring after the last frost date when soil temperatures have warmed. Space plants 10 inches apart in full sun with well-drained soil.
Seeds are ready to harvest when they turn tan or brown and separate easily from the seed head, typically beginning in late fall through winter. Cut or strip the mature seed heads and allow them to dry further indoors on screens or in paper bags. Shake or thresh to release individual seeds for storage or replanting.
Cut back all foliage to the ground in late winter to early spring, just before new growth appears. This renewal pruning removes dead material and encourages vigorous new shoots. Do not prune during the growing season or in fall, as the dried stems and seed heads provide winter interest and food for birds.
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“Indian Grass is a Missouri native perennial that was one of the dominant grasses of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, which once covered vast portions of the American Midwest. It naturally occurs in prairies, glades, and open woodlands throughout its native range, representing a direct link to the pre-settlement landscape that shaped the region's ecology and character.”