Indian Steel Indian Grass
Sorghastrum nutans
sor-GAS-trum NOO-tanz
Perennials: Ornamental grass
Indian Grass
Zone
5: -20° to -10°
Min. Temp
Frost Tolerant: 24°
Clumping native grass with metallic blue foliage. Upright golden-brown flowers are large and very attractive in summer. Blooms July to first hard frost. Foliage turns to a bright coppery-brown after frost.
Appearance
Summer Foliage
Blue-Green
Fall Foliage
Green
Blooming Time
Late Summer - Fall
Habit
Upright
Height
4–6 ft
Spread
2–3 ft
Form
Plume
Characteristics
Type
Cultivar
Safety
Non-toxic
Growth Rate
Moderate
Tolerance/Resistance
Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant
Attracts
Doesn't Attract Beneficials
Uses/Placement
Massed
Optimal Growing Conditions
Sun Exposure
Full Sun: 8-12 hrs
Soil Texture
Adaptable
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Soil Moisture
Dry
Soil PH
Neutral: 6.5-7.0
PH Tolerance
Prefers slightly alkaline soil
Soil Amendment(s)
Compost
Fertilizer
Minimal Fertilizer Needed
Fertilizer Formula
Balanced Fertilizer
Fertilizer Timing
Pre-Bloom
Micronutrients
Trace Minerals Beneficial
Care
Care Level
Very Low
Behavior and Propagation
Spreading
Moderate Spreader
Propagation Method
Benefits from Pollinators
Propagation Licensing
Open propagation permitted
Division Timing
Spring Division