Description
Sorghastrum –
There are 16 clump forming, annuals and perennial grasses, in this genus. They are found naturally occurring in prairies and savanna in Africa and tropical and temperate North, Central and South America. They are grown for their open or narrow, terminal panicles of late summer flowers (which may be dried or dyed), and for their linear, flat or rolled leaves. Suitable for a mixed or herbaceous border.
Grow in moderately fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Protect from excessive winter moisture. Divide in mid spring or early summer.
Prone to rust, leaf smut, and leaf spots.
S. nutans ‘Sioux Blue’ – S. avenaceum ‘Sioux Blue’ – Indian Grass – Wood Grass – This slowly spreading, perennial grass forming loose clumps of strongly erect stems with arching, broadly linear, metallic blue green leaves, to 24″ long which turn purple in the fall. From summer to autumn, it bears narrow, terminal panicles, to 14″ long, of glossy, red brown spikelets with yellow anthers.
Zones 4-9
