Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans)

$5.00

Indian Grass is quite a statement plant! It is a host plant to 4 species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org), including the threatened Dusted Skipper (mnfi.anr.msu.edu/). It is also a food source to many grasshoppers and grasshoppers are an important food source to many birds. Because of its height and tendency to stay upright, it is an important nesting habitat for many birds (illinoiswildflower.info). It can spread aggressively in some situations, so choose your planting spot with care.

Photo credit: Mall Levin

Indian Grass is quite a statement plant! It is a host plant to 4 species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org), including the threatened Dusted Skipper (mnfi.anr.msu.edu/). It is also a food source to many grasshoppers and grasshoppers are an important food source to many birds. Because of its height and tendency to stay upright, it is an important nesting habitat for many birds (illinoiswildflower.info). It can spread aggressively in some situations, so choose your planting spot with care.

Photo credit: Mall Levin

Life Cycle: Perennial 

Sun Exposure: Full, Partial

Soil Moisture: Medium, Medium-dry, Dry

Height: 3-7 feet

Plant Spacing:  2-3 feet

Bloom Time: August-September

Bloom Color:

Advantages: Bird Favorite, Deer Resistant, Recommended, but can be very vigorous

Host: 4 species of butterflies and moths use this as a caterpillar host plant in our area (nwf.org)

Beneficial for Endangered or Threatened Species: It is a host plant for the vulnerable Dusted skipper (mnfi.anr.msu.edu/)

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