Sorghastrum nutans

Sorghastrum nutans Poaceae

Common name: Indian grass

About this species:

Sorghastrum nutans is a dominant grass in the tallgrass prairie in North America. This species is a perennial, warm-season bunchgrass.

  • Poaceae. S. nutans is in the grass family, and is one of the dominant grasses the prairie
  • Perennial. Plants grow and resprout from clumps.
  • Reproduction. S. nutans reproduces both by seed and rhizomatously.
  • Unusual seed dispersal. The fruits may be able to travel along the ground with a hygroscopic awn, with the daily fluctuation of humidity.
  • Wind pollinated. Like other grasses, S. nutans is pollinated through the wind.
  • Self compatibility. Unknown.
  • Phenology. S. nutans, a warm-season grass, tends to flower in mid July, with seeds ripening in late summer.

 

The USDA plant profile page for Sorghastrum nutans.

Team-members who have conducted research on this species: