Sorghastrum nutans 'Sioux Blue'
   
Tried and True Recommended by 2 Professionals
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: Indian grass
Type: Ornamental grass
Family: Poaceae
Zone: 4 to 9
Height: 3 to 5 feet
Spread: 2 to 3 feet
Bloom Time: August to February
Bloom Color: Brown
Bloom Description: Light brown with yellow stamens
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Medium
Leaves: Colorful, Good Fall Color
Other: Winter Interest
Wildlife: Attracts Birds
Tolerates: Dry Soil, Shallow, Rocky Soil, Drought, Air Pollution, Black Walnuts
Uses: Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Erosion Control, Will Naturalize

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerant of a wide range of soils including heavy clays. Does well in poor, dry, infertile soils. Tends to open up and/or flop in moist, rich soils however. May self-seed in optimum growing conditions. Cut back to the ground in late winter to early spring just before the new growth appears.

Noteworthy Characteristics

'Sioux Blue' is an Indian grass cultivar which typically grows 3-5' tall (less frequently to 6') and is noted for its narrow, upright form and metallic-blue foliage. It primarily differs from the native American species by having bluer foliage and better vertical form. It is a warm season perennial grass which typically forms upright clumps (to 2-3' tall) of slender, metallic-blue leaves (to 1/2" wide and 2' long). Foliage turns yellow in fall and usually retains hints of gold into the winter. Stiff, vertical flowering stems, topped by narrow, feathery, light brown flower panicles (to 12" long) highlighted with yellow stamens, rise well above the foliage clump in late summer to 5-6' tall. Panicles darken to bronze/chestnut brown in fall as they mature, later fading to gray. Panicles continue to provide some interest well into winter. 'Sioux Blue' was introduced into commerce by Longwood Gardens, Kennet Square, Pennsylvania.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Garden Uses

Vertical accent for borders. Mass as a screen. Mass or blend into prairies, wild or naturalized areas.