Grass - Sorghastrum nutans 'Indian Steel'

Excellent for wildlife gardens. Birds eat the seeds in winter, and butterflies and native pollinators visit the flower panicles in summer. The dense clumps also provide shelter for small insects and ground-nesting birds.

A warm-season grass, emerging in late spring, flowering in late summer, and providing color and structure into winter. In colder zones, it goes dormant but maintains decorative seed heads.

Native prairie gardens, meadow plantings, naturalized landscapes, mass plantings, wildlife gardens, erosion control, and low-maintenance borders

Striking blue-steel to silvery-blue leaves that form upright, arching clumps. In fall, the foliage turns shades of copper, gold, and tan, adding strong seasonal color. The fine-textured blades create a soft, graceful movement in the wind.

Tall, golden-bronze flower panicles appear in late summer (August–September) and rise well above the foliage. The airy seed heads shimmer in sunlight and transition to tan as they mature, remaining attractive through winter.

Plant ‘Indian Steel’ in spring or early summer when the soil has warmed. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil; this warm-season grass thrives in open, dry to moderately moist sites. Dig a hole just deep enough for the root ball, loosen the surrounding soil, and set the plant so the crown is level with the soil surface. Backfill and water deeply to settle roots. Space plants 24–36 inches apart to allow for mature spread. Once established, it requires minimal care. Avoid overly rich soil, which can cause the grass to flop.

Cut back old foliage to 3–4 inches above the ground in late winter or very early spring before new growth begins. Avoid trimming in fall—leaving the seed heads up adds winter interest and provides food for birds.

Once established, ‘Indian Steel’ is highly drought-tolerant. Water regularly during the first growing season to encourage strong roots; afterward, it only needs occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells. Avoid wet, soggy soil.

Prefers full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day). It can tolerate light shade but develops the best color, structure, and flower plumes in full sun.

The seed heads can be harvested in late fall for dried floral arrangements. The fruits are small, tan grains typical of native prairie grasses and are a food source for birds.

Very low fertilizer needs. Apply a light layer of compost in spring or a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer if growth is weak. Too much nitrogen causes floppy, weak stems.

Wind-pollinated. Like most grasses, it does not depend on insects for pollination and produces small flowers that release pollen into the air.

Combines beautifully with Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Aster, Solidago, Panicum, Schizachyrium, Perovskia, and Coreopsis. These sun-loving perennials complement its bluish foliage and golden flower plumes, creating a natural prairie or meadow-style design.