Indiangrass Sorghastrum nutans is a tall (3’ – 8’), clumping, sod-forming grass that occurs in moist or dry prairies, open woods, fields, and roadsides in the southwestern, northwestern, and Florida parishes of Louisiana. Its blue-green leaf blades, plume-like, golden-brown seed heads, and deep orange-to-purple fall color are attractive features.
This grass is nutritious and favored by livestock. It is a larval host plant for the Pepper and Salt Skipper Amblyscirtes hegon and other butterflies. The seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals, and birds use the stems for nesting material. Indiangrass tolerates poorly-drained soils. It makes a fine accent plant, but tends to flop unless placed among tall companion plants.