Plant:Indian Grass
| Name: Sorghastrum nutans | Description:Flowering stems are up to 7' tall, with plants occurring as dense tufts or single stems mixed with other grasses, especially Big Bluestem. The leaves are up to 2' long, long tapering , and rarely more than 1/2" wide. each leaf has a disticntive pair of toothlike, erect, narrow, pointed lobes at the point where the leaf blade joins the stem- these lobes are usually reddish to yellowish. The flower heads are narrow, elongate, and initally chestnut brown, later fading to grayish brown. The hairy seeds have twisted bristle tips about 1/2" long. Although the individual flowers are inconspicuous, the pollen is produced on prodtruding yellow stamens. midsummer-early fall HABITAT/RANGE: Common in mesic to dry prairies as well as patures, fields, and open savannas throughout the tallgrass region. (Falcon Guide: Tallgrass Prairie Wildflowers) | Discussion:Indian grass is a palatable grass for grazing or as a component of prairie hay. It is nutritious and is sought out by grazing animals. It will decrease under heavy grazing. It probably should not be allowed to be grazed to heights under 5" or it will be replaced in the sward by less palatable species. The seeds can be havested by combine and are often used in reclamation projects or in restoration of prairie.(Prairie Plants of Illinois- J. Voigt & R. Mohlenbrock) |
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