Etymology
Sorghastrum comes from Greek and implies an imitation of sorghum; nutans is Greek for nodding.
Native Habitat
A North American tall prairie bunchgrass also found in Northeastern meadows and fields. It can withstand intermittent flooding and repeated burning. In Maine it is found in forest clearings, fields, wetland margins and disturbed habitats.
Garden Uses
Attractive en masse or in wildflower meadows. Prominent yellow stamens contrasts beautifully with blue-grey foliage. Can be a lovely accent, though most growth in height is late in the season at flowering. May need staking or tall companions to remain upright when grown in rich soil or shady situations. Cut back in early spring prior to new growth.
Overview
Perennial bunching grass often reaching 8 feet in height. Ornamental for its attractive color changes and showy, plumed flower heads. Seeds are favored by livestock, birds, butterflies, small mammals.
Leaves and Stems
Blades are alternate, simple, 1/2 inch wide, and up to 2 feet long, turning from blue-green to deep orange or purple in autumn. Veins are parallel.
Flowers
Branched racemes, yellow, almost metallic appearing at full bloom grow as feathery panicles up to 12 inches long. These darken to brown or chestnut, then gray.
Fruit/Seed
Seed heads are showy, large and plume-like, usually golden brown. Each seed is a caryopsis (dry, one-seeded fruit with the ovary wall united with the seed coating).
Wildlife Associates
Favored by browsing livestock. Attracts butterflies, birds, small mammals.
Propagation
Seeds can be collected and sown in the autumn without stratification. Clump division is difficult due to dense tangling of roots.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Used as a weaving material.
Garden Location
Teaching Garden (see garden map)
Anecdotal Information
Plants in full sun are robust and remain upright throughout the winter in the teaching garden where soil is coarse and well drained. Where conditions are shadier, plants are less robust and have weaker stems.
Sources
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Garden
Missouri Botanical Garden
Plant Profile by Kate O'Dell