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Rumsey Indiangrass Seed
Sorghastrum nutans

Indiangrass

Seeds

Packet $3.00
1 Lb. $16.00

Plants

50 Plug Tray Out of Stock

Description

Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans) is a tall, warm-season native prairie grass prized for its brilliant red-brown foliage, golden seed heads, and value to wildlife and livestock alike. Reaching 3 to 6 feet in height, it sways beautifully in the breeze while providing essential structure and habitat in prairies, pastures, and restoration projects.

This perennial grass thrives in full sun and well-drained, loamy soils. It’s drought-tolerant once established and is best sown in spring (April–June). Indian Grass supports local ecosystems—grasshoppers and caterpillars feed on its blades, while birds use its dense structure for nesting and enjoy its nutritious seeds.

It’s also ideal for forage, making it a great addition to managed grazing systems. Native to the central and eastern United States, Indian Grass is deer-resistant, low-maintenance, and visually striking throughout the fall.

Seed Details

Weight 0.025 lbs
Dimensions 3.5 × 0.1 × 2.25 in

Range Map

Indiangrass native range

Details

Seeds/Packet200
Seeds/Lb.174,720
Germination CodeDirect Sow
SociabilityGrows in Clumps, Self-Seeding
Sun RequirementsFull Sun
Soil MoistureDry, Dry Mesic, Mesic
BenefitsBirds, Deer Resistant
Height5-6'
USDA Zones3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Bloom ColorOrange
Bloom PeriodAugust, September
Plant Spacing2-3'

Seeds & Seed Mixes:

Seeds and seed mixes ship nationwide, year-round, typically within 3–5 business days. If you would like to postpone a seed mix shipment until fall, please note this at checkout.

Live Plants:

Live plants are available year-round while inventory lasts and ship to all states except California, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Alaska, and Hawaii. After your order is placed, we’ll contact you to coordinate a spring shipping window, as many plants are overwintered and ship once dormancy breaks.

Estimated shipping for 2026 plant orders begins in mid-April, weather permitting.

If you’re looking to secure plants in advance or need larger quantities for a project, we offer contract growing options. Contact us to discuss your needs and request a quote. Additional species not listed online may also be available through contract grow.

Live Stakes:

Live stakes are available by request only and must be ordered by submitting a contact form. Ordering is open seasonally from November 1 through February 28. A minimum of 100 stakes per order is required, with at least 25 stakes per species.

Live stakes ship only to the following states: Missouri, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Iowa.

PLS stands for Pure Live Seed, an industry-standard measure of seed quality. It reflects the portion of seed in a batch that is viable and capable of germinating.

What this means for you: when you purchase 1 lb. of PLS seed, the physical weight of the seed you receive will be slightly more than 1 lb. That’s because we account for non-viable seed and natural inert material upfront, so you receive a full pound of live, plantable seed.

Many companies sell bulk seed by total weight, which can include filler and non-viable seed. By pricing based on PLS, we make sure you’re getting exactly what you paid for—high-quality native seed with more predictable, successful germination.

Want to dive deeper? Check out our in-depth article on what PLS is and why it matters.