Sorghastrum nutans
This genus, like Andropogon, has spikelets in pairs, with
one spikelet sessile and perfect and the other pedicelled.
The pedicelled spikelet, however, is completely reduced and
represented only by the hairy pedicel. Glumes are pubescent
and awnless; lemmas have a twisted and bent, long awn.
1 species in MN; 1 native
Common species:
Sorghastrum nutans (sore gas' trum new' tans)
Synonyms: None Common names: Indian grass; Lakota: peji sasa inkpa jiji Origin and habitat: Native over much of the eastern U.S.; tall-grass prairies and open oak savannas Identifying characters: A loose bunchgrass-type perennial with nodes that covered by long silky hairs. Ligules are a fringe of hairs and there are large erect auricles present. Inflorescences are slender golden panicles that open widely at maturity with spikelets 6-8 mm long. Comments: A dominant member of the tall-grass community, Indian grass responds very well to periodic burning. Seedlings are tolerant of a wide range of extremes and can readily invade somewhat disturbed sites. However, since this species doesn’t tiller, it generally occurs as isolated clumps. It also provides good forage. As with other of our native tall grasses, Indian grass is gaining favor with gardeners. Its open, almost plume-like, panicle provides gold color in late summer and fall gardens. MAPS ADDITIONAL SPECIES IN MINNESOTA: None Next genus Return to technical key