Yellow Indian-grass

Yellow Indian-grass Care

Sorghastrum Nutans

Other names: Yellow Indian Grass, Indiangrass, Wood Grass, Sorghastrum Avenaceum

What is the plant

Native to the prairies of North America, Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans) is a tall, bunching, warm-season grass that is also used as feed for livestock.A popular ornamental grass, it works well as an upright backdrop in garden borders or as a main mass feature when creating a natural meadow or wildlife garden. The grass grows to be up to six-foot when in bloom, and the seedheads add a splash of yellow to orange color from late summer to early fall.Because the short rhizomes are able to remain standing in winter while dormant, it can continue to add interest to your garden throughout the year. The grass blades add shades of green, grey, and even blue to the landscape.As a result of its hardiness, clumping formation, strong rooting system, and ability to grow in infertile soils, Indian Grass can work well on slopes to prevent erosion.

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Humidity

Dry

Lighting

Full Sun

Hardiness zone

4 - 9

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Don't be tempted to water your Indian Grass too frequently. This can result in sprawling stems that aren't as strong.Once established, this plant is fairly drought tolerant and copes well in dry to medium conditions.
Pruning
Cutting back Indian Grass to the ground in late winter to early spring can encourage more impressive growth the next year. If you want to appreciate the grass in winter or allow the remaining seedheads to act as feed for birds and other wildlife, wait until early spring before you do this. Just make sure you've done it before any new growth begins.
Fertilizer
Indian Grass doesn't need fertilizer to thrive. In fact, it's best avoided as it can result in the roots becoming weak and overly long.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
The one thing that Indian Grass really does need to thrive is a sunny position. Without full sun for much of the day, it won't perform to its best potential.
Soil
This ornamental grass isn't particular about the type of soil it's planted in. Heavy clay and dry, infertile soils all still usually result in a good performance if the plant has access to the sun.
Temperature
Warm-season grasses prefer a drier environment and mild temperatures. Optimum temperatures are around 85 to 95 F, but anything over 60 F usually produces decent results.