Quick answer: Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans) is native to 37 states. What's commonly sold under this name is often a bred variety or the wrong species — see the lookalike alert below. It's typically seed, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Mason Brock (Masebrock), Wikimedia Commons (PUBLIC DOMAIN)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium water, Dry-Moist |
| Soil | Moist, rich soils - calcareous, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, limestone-based |
| Bloom | Bloom Aug-Oct |
| Height | Up to 8 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Seeds feed small mammals and birds, larval host for Pepper-and-Salt Skipper, nesting material for native bees |
Lookalike alert
Bulk (PA); cultivar 'Cheyenne' (TX).
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Indiangrass
Where is Indiangrass native?
Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans) is native to 37 states across the Northeast, Midwest, South and West. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Indiangrass bloom?
Indiangrass blooms Aug-Oct. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Indiangrass need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: Medium water, Dry-Moist. Soil: Moist, rich soils - calcareous, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, limestone-based. Mature height: Up to 8 ft tall.
Is Indiangrass good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Seeds feed small mammals and birds, larval host for Pepper-and-Salt Skipper, nesting material for native bees.
Is Indiangrass deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Indiangrass is deer-resistant, drought-tolerant and tolerates shade.
Where can I buy real Indiangrass seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Be aware that some sellers offer bred varieties under this name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Indiangrass.
- Eastern red columbine Aquilegia canadensis
- Sideoats grama Bouteloua curtipendula
- Big bluestem Andropogon gerardii
- Little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium
- Smooth sumac Rhus glabra
- Switchgrass Panicum virgatum
Also listed under
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