Indian Grass
Sorghastrum nutans
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Mar 11, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Indian Grass
Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) is a native North American tallgrass prairie species forming upright clumps of blue-green foliage that turns rich orange-gold in autumn. Its golden-bronze, feathery seed heads are a hallmark of fall meadow plantings and attract seed-eating birds. Starting at $6.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Clay, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Bloom season. Foliage may begin to change or drop.
Dormant — drops foliage.
Care essentials
Requires full sun for best growth and fall color. In NE Florida, Indian Grass performs well in open meadow and naturalized settings; it will become sparse and flop without adequate direct sunlight.
Drought-tolerant once established and requires little to no supplemental irrigation in NE Florida after the first growing season. Avoid overwatering, which can cause root problems in the humid Florida climate.
Adaptable to a wide range of soils from sandy to clay, including NE Florida's native sandy flatwoods soils. Avoid heavy fertilization — too much nitrogen produces rank growth and reduces the ornamental seed heads. No regular fertilizer needed.
Similar needs
Switchgrass
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Purple Top Grass
Shares 4 of the same needs: low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Fountain Grass
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Pampas Grass
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Beautyberry
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Bitter Sneezeweed
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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Common questions
Is Indian Grass a good plant for St. Augustine?
Indian Grass is a grass for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 3-5 feet × 1-2 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.