Perennial Prairie Grass Seed for Wildlife, Forage, & Ornamental

Tall-Growing Native Grass: Holt Indian Grass

Holt Indian Grass, also known as Sorghastrum nutans, is a beautiful, clumping, native grass with medium color that transforms into a striking yellow or bronze hue in the autumn. It typically maintains some color during the winter months. Historically, Indian Grass thrived in the prairies of the central and eastern United States. It flourishes in deep, well-drained floodplain soils, but can adapt well to poorly-drained and excessively well-drained soils. This versatile grass can withstand acidic to alkaline conditions and various soil textures from sand to clay.

Indian Grass serves many purposes. It is highly appealing to livestock during its active growing season and offers a valuable wildlife habitat. Its tolerance for nutrient-poor soils makes it an excellent choice for erosion control in areas where other plants struggle to grow. Native prairie grasses, like Indian Grass, are commonly used in landscaping as ornamental grass, border plants, or in combination with other native grasses such as bluestem to create a meadow-like appearance.

How to Grow: Seeding Rate: For ornamental plantings, sow 8 - 12 PLS pounds per acre or 1/2 - 1 PLS pound per 1000 square feet. Pure Live Seed (PLS) pounds represent the percentage of viable seed in a given lot, determined by multiplying the purity percentage by the total germination percentage. For instance, 95% purity multiplied by 85% total germination results in an 80.75% PLS. This means that 80.75% of bulk pounds of the native grass seed planted are of the designated variety and have the potential to germinate. Planting weights are listed in bulk pounds.

Planting: Indian Grass seed can be sown in the fall and is expected to germinate as the soil warms in the spring. Alternatively, plant the seed firmly 0.25 inches deep in early spring. Avoid mowing or grazing the grass in its first year.

Start Indian Grass seed for a versatile, perennial prairie grass that adds beauty to any landscape. This native grass thrives in USDA zones 3 - 9, growing 3 - 5 feet tall. Cultivate the beauty and benefits of Indian Grass in your outdoor spaces.

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